After two years of being shut down due to the COVID pandemic, senior citizens in Coldwater celebrated a return to normalcy with Seniors on the Move gathering for a hot meal and fun activities Wednesday, March 16.
In conjunction with the event, North Delta Planning & Development District Area Agency celebrated the 50th anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program.
Coldwater Mayor Glenn Billingsley, the town’s Board of Aldermen and Tate County Board of Supervisor President Tony Sandridge were on hand to welcome the seniors back to the Community Center.
“We’ve been unable to meet for two years,” said Sandridge. “Two years gone, but through the grace of God we are here today!”
Sandridge said when the pandemic began and the seniors were unable to meet and socialize, the group began collecting donations to provide delivered meals to 300 residents.
“When we began, we delivered 300 meals because of donations and money out of pockets,” said Sandridge. “As of today, we have delivered over 6,500 meals!”
Mayor Billingsley echoed Sandridge’s sentiments regarding the return of the gatherings.
“This is a joyous occasion,” said Billingsley. “It takes team work to make the dream work, and if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. I’m just so humbled and delighted that we can all gather here together again.”
Cheryl James, area director of North Delta, welcomed seniors to participate in taking pictures in a photo booth set up by the agency in celebration of the 50th anniversary.
Since 1972, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported services for older adults. The program is supported by funding through the Older American’s Act. It provides adults over the age of 60 with access to nutritious meals and other vital services geared toward strengthening social connections and promoting health and well-being.
According to a release from North Delta, senior nutrition continues to be a concern in local communities and across the U.S. Each year, up to half of adults aged 65 and older are at risk of malnutrition and more than 10 million face hunger. Even in local communities, older adults may face lack of access to the high-quality, nutritious food they need to remain healthy.
“As part of the Senior Nutrition Program network, North Delta’s congregate meal sites help older adults in the community by promoting healthy eating, decreasing social isolation, and improving health,” stated the North Delta release.
“We currently provide 40 seniors in Coldwater with meals Monday through Friday,” said James.
In total, the program provides meals to over 900 individuals who are unable to leave home without assistance in Coahoma, Desoto, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate and Tunica counties.
“It isn’t all about a feeding program,” said Sandridge. “It’s about our community giving back.”
