Page 6 - Spring 2017

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT
ASK
A Community FEAST
Andrea Mulheisen is the Planning & Resource Development Manager at Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B). She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Gerontology at Madonna University.
What is your role at AAA 1-B?
I support several programs, including initiatives with LGBT older adults, an older refugee assistance program, elder abuse prevention and detection initiatives, and recently initiated one of our newest programs called FEAST.
Tell us a bit about FEAST
MI Senior FEAST, which stands for Friends Eating And Socializing Together, is a new program offered by the AAA 1-B with support from The Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan’s Healthy Food Connect initiative and our partners, United Community Family Services and The Council on Aging, Inc., serving St. Clair County. We just launched FEAST in Macomb and St. Clair Counties. These are congregate meals. They are similar to the community meals offered in many senior or community centers now; the difference is these meals are available at specific restaurants. The idea is to help seniors get out in their community to enjoy a hot, healthy meal and have a little fun, too. It’s also an opportunity for them to be around other people, be social– maybe make friends. It gives them something to look forward to. Who doesn’t enjoy a meal prepared
for and served to you!
How does it work?
People, age 60 and over, can call our partners to register to participate (See bottom right). Participants will be given vouchers to use at the restaurant, with a requested donation of $3 per voucher. If a person can’t afford that cost, say only $1, their participation will be limited to once or twice a month but we won’t turn you away. Then just show up at the restaurant on Tuesdays for lunch and submit your voucher for payment! It’s also important to note: Vouchers cannot be transferred to another person.
Is this the only cost?
Yes, however, anyone participating can certainly leave a tip for their waitstaff if they choose to.
Where are these restaurants?
The Baghdad Restaurant, featuring
the expert
Andrea Mulheisen of the AAA 1-B.
Middle Eastern cuisine, is located at 4055 17 Mile Road in Sterling Heights (near Ryan Road). The Four Star Grille, serving Traditional American fare, is at 1835 Gratiot (near Michigan Avenue) in Marysville.
When are FEAST meals offered?
Participants can enjoy a FEAST meal at the Baghdad Restaurant on Tuesdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. The Four Star Grille’s FEAST meal is also dished up on Tuesdays, but from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What’s on the menu for FEAST participants?
It’s not a choice of everything on the respective menus; however, it is the same food. We must ensure that what’s served meets certain nutritional guidelines. That means meat, starch (perhaps bread or rice), vegetables and/ or fruit. Basically, you’re going to get a healthy but delicious meal! There are several meal options at each restaurant, and participants have their choice of milk, coffee or tea for a beverage.
Will there ever be FEAST meals anywhere else?
This is test for the program. We hope to expand FEAST next year if it’s successful in these locations.
To enjoy a FEAST meal in Macomb County, please call United Community Family Services (ask for Samar) at 248-528-0130. In St. Clair County, contact The Council on Aging at 810-982-4400.