Suggested donation for senior meals rises
Staff writer
Rising cost of food and supplies has led senior nutrition sites in Marion, Hillsboro, and Peabody to increase suggested donations for meals.
On Oct. 1, the price increased 50 cents to $4 for people 60 and older and $1.75 to $7 for people younger than 60. The increase affects all meals — those delivered, served at centers, and picked up to-go.
Friendship meals, as they’re called, are made available to seniors based on what they can “comfortably afford,” a letter to seniors says. Contributions are anonymous.
Janet Bryant, manager of Marion Senior Center, said the increase in suggested donations hasn’t affected numbers there. In fact, meal sales have increased.
“People understand about the cost of food,” she said. “I did have one person ask if they’ll get more food if they pay more.”
On Tuesday, 52 people received a meal at Marion’s center, which dished up marinated pork loin, yams, Brussels sprouts, pears and bread.
Meals are served at noon Monday through Friday. Frozen meals also are available for the weekend.
In Hillsboro, reservations may be made by calling (620) 947-2304. In Marion, call (620) 382-2942. In Peabody, call (620) 983-2226.