HOLLIS – The City of Hollis is using a $51,900 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to finish construction on a new senior citizens meal center. The facility will replace an old, dilapidated building that is “in need of significant repair,” the USDA announced.
The Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, based in Altus, provides approximately three dozen prepared meals for congregate and homebound clients in Hollis five days a week, Monday through Friday, said Debra Lee, SOCAG outreach director for Jackson, Harmon and Greer counties.
A menu is supplied to the center each month, she said. The fare varies and includes meals such as lasagna, hamburgers, chicken and beef.
The senior meals provide one-third of the recommended daily nutritional allowance and help meet the social needs of seniors. Participants must be 60 years of age or older, and spouses of any age.
There are no income qualifications. “The only thing we ask for is a suggested $3 donation,” Ms. Lee said. “But if they cannot afford it, we waive the fee. Nobody is turned down for inability to pay.”
The meals are prepared in Altus, then delivered to congregates at the Hollis center and to homebound clients in town, she said. Southwest Transit provides transportation to and from the meal sites for participants who need the service.
The SOCAG senior nutrition program is funded through the Older Americans Act. Services include congregate meals, carry-out meals for the homebound, Advantage meals, outreach services, transportation, health promotion, and medication management.
SOCAG senior nutrition sites are located in Altus, Granite, Hollis, and Mangum. Health promotion activities include blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks.