BY RILEY WILSON
Eudora seniors 60 years and older can now enjoy a meal at no charge through a new partnership in town.
The City of Eudora Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas to provide Eudora seniors with a place to receive healthy and balanced meals on a regular basis.
While meals are already being delivered to Eudora residents at their homes, Eudora Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington said she’s excited to make their community room a congregation site.
“It’s the one time they might get out of their house,” Pennington said. “Meals are great, but having that one-on-one conversation, we’re really excited about that.”
Lunch will be served at the Eudora Parks and Recreation Community Room from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pennington said she is excited to see new faces around and hopes the department can be a place that seniors rely on.
“We can tell any senior who needs anything to come here,” Pennington said.
Funding for the program is provided partly through the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging through the Older Americans Act, which funds services that maintain the independence and health of older adults. Additionally, United Way, local government sources, fundraising and donations make up the other portion of program funding.
Those under 60 are invited to eat but must pay $7.61, the full cost of the meal. Seniors who want to donate are encouraged to make a $4 contribution to cover meal costs, but no one will be turned away for financial reasons.
“We’re here to make sure people are getting fed,” Pennington said.
Seniors make up 22 percent of the total Kansas population, according to Meals on Wheels of America. Of that population, 27 percent are threatened by, at risk of or facing hunger.
Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas will deliver meals to Eudora throughout the week for the Parks and Recreation Department to serve in its congregation room.
Heidi Pickerell, president of Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, said the goal is to keep seniors independent and social.
“It’s kind of like home. That’s where we have our conversations, we catch up,” Pickerell said. “Oftentimes for seniors, particularly I think in smaller communities, the opportunities for that can be more limited.”
Pickerell said providing seniors with nutritious meals helps them avoid premature placement in a nursing home.
Nancy Wickersheim, a Eudora senior, attended the first luncheon and said it’s a great place to socialize with others.
“We don’t have too many places to have a little lunch and just visit. A lot of women and men eat alone. They can come up here and eat together, rather than alone,” Wickersheim said.
Wickersheim also wants to volunteer with the program. She teaches square dancing class in the Community Room following the lunch program on Tuesdays and said she wants to help since she would already be there.
“Seniors helping seniors, I think, is kind of Eudora’s motto,” Wickersheim said.
Those interested in a meal must first fill out a registration from, then reserve a meal by 2:30 p.m. the day before through the Eudora Parks and Recreation Department or Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas.
Monthly menus, registration forms and more information can be found at the Eudora Parks and Recreation Department at 1630 Elm St. or by calling 785-542-3434.
Additional information can be found on the Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, Inc. website or at 785-295-3980.
Reach reporter Riley Wilson at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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