Senior Nutrition Program Launches in Washington
A diner enjoys lunch at the opening of Encore Café in Marion in 2018.
Seniors in Washington County are getting a second call to enhance their health with the launch of Encore Express. This new nutrition program open to adults ages 60+ looking for an extra meal with friends new and old.
Encore Express starts this week as a voucher program, allowing participants to receive up to six vouchers per month to redeem for meals at the Washington Hy-Vee. Vouchers can be redeemed for hot and prepared refrigerated meals and a container of milk.
Adults 60+ and their spouse (regardless of age) can sign up by calling or visiting Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am – 1 pm:
Encore Express will soon add group dining with Hy-Vee catered meals at Immanuel Lutheran Church as well, but the first date is to-be-determined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Group dining will be more than just a hot meal: diners can pick up their Hy-Vee vouchers, participate in games/activities, hear from local presenters and meet friends both new and old.
The program is a spin-off of the award-winning Encore Café in the Cedar Rapids area. Socialization and fun with other community members is a key component of Encore Café’s success and will be a big part of Express, too.
So what’s the cost? Nothing, technically! There is a suggested voluntary contribution of $5.00 per meal/voucher strictly to help cover the cost of the program. However, no eligible person will be denied service due to inability to make a contribution. The actual cost of each meal/voucher is about $8.00, which is currently being covered by grant funding and participants’ contributions.
Heritage AAA is excited to partner with the local Hy-Vee and Immanuel Lutheran Church to bring this new program to Washington. We’ll be planning a grand opening event over the next few weeks, so keep your eyes open for more news to come.
We look forward to meeting Washington County’s seniors in-person again, and celebrating this second call to enhance your health at Encore Express.