The San Juan Island Community Foundation is funding “Wednesday Lunch for All” at Mullis Community Senior Center, beginning July 22.
There is no age limit; lunch is open to all.
Lunch is provided for a suggested donation of $5, although all are welcome whether they can pay or not.
Lunch is 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday for 14 weeks, July 22 to Oct. 21, in the Mullis Center Dining Room, 589 Nash St.
On the menu July 22: Beef Stroganoff, green beans, salad and ranger cookie.
Senior Services Coordinator Curt VanHyning said the program was developed to provide a well-balanced meal each week to meet the nutritional needs of all at a subsidized price. This will augment the ongoing Monday and Thursday hot lunches served at the Mullis Center for those older than 59 or disabled.
“Funding is being provided by the San Juan Island Community Foundation for a three-month pilot project to determine the actual need for this meal offering,” VanHyning said in a press release. “It was one of the highest-rated priorities on a list of local needs developed over three months in dozens of meetings by the Critical Needs Task Force.”
He added, “The program will also include hot and frozen meals delivered to folks who are homebound and unable to travel to the Mullis Center for the lunch. Subsidized transportation is also being offered to bring islanders to the meal and return them home for $2 suggested donation. Reservations for either of these options must be made by 10 a.m. the day of the lunch by calling 378-2677.”
VanHyning said the rationale for the project is based on the economic distress of local families and individuals who are recently unemployed or have experienced reductions in work hours and income.
“Retirees on limited income are also encouraged to join the social gathering around lunch at the Mullis Center on any of the three days — Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,” he said.
A few new volunteers are needed to assist Mullis Center’s cook in the preparation, table setting and clean-up after the meal. Call Bonnie at 378-2677 to sign on as a volunteer. Mileage reimbursement is provided for volunteers to bring people to lunch and deliver meals to people at home.
For more information, call VanHyning, 378-2677.
