There aren’t many restaurants where you can drop in for lunch and take in a lesson on astrophysics. But then, that’s the beauty of Whatcom Council on Aging’s senior community meals program. Lunch conversations are one of a kind.
“Just at this one table, we have a retired engineer, educator, realtor, draftsman, private investigator and hospitality professional. People come from all walks of life to share a meal together,” Linda Fossen said.
For more than 40 years, seniors have been enjoying home-cooked meals and engaging conversations at senior centers across Whatcom County and San Juan County.
“We welcome all those 60 years and older to dine with us at one of our senior center locations,” said Chris Orr, executive director of the Whatcom Council on Aging.
Critical need for socialization
While the universe may be expanding, life collapsed to the size of our homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, Whatcom Council on Aging was forced to suspend in-person community meals, instead providing to-go meals from its senior center locations.
“The pandemic highlighted the critical need we all have for socialization and in particular for our senior population,” Orr said.
Ian Cassinos, food services manager of the senior community meals program, said research strongly links poor nutrition and social isolation in older adults with an increased risk of chronic disease and physical and cognitive impairments.
Serving such a vulnerable population, the nonprofit slowly and cautiously reopened, resuming its meals program in June 2022.
“At first we were scared to come back, but it only took a day to feel comfortable,” Gilbert Pompa said. “Now, if we’re in town, there’s not a day we miss.”
A break from cooking
For Sam Cheung, lunches provide a delicious meal and engaging conversation while being a great motivator to get him out of the house.
“I live alone now. I can enjoy a meal, visit with friends, and I don’t have to cook,” Cheung said.
Pompa echoed that sentiment.
“You’re not sitting at home, lonely, in front of the TV,” Pompa said. “You meet people from diverse backgrounds who have amazing insights and stories to share.”
Cheung said he felt like he was part of a community with friendly and down-to-earth people.
Lifting the mind and spirit
When Tom Horton moved to Bellingham six months ago, one of his first priorities was to get to know people. He decided to serve as a lunch volunteer at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center.
“For a long time, I was in denial about being a senior,” the 73-year-old muses. “I think it’s something we all have to come to terms with at some point in our lives.”
Horton discovered that being a senior and volunteering at the center opened a new world for him.
“Most of the people here are just like you,” he said. “I’ve lived in a lot of different places in my life; there’s a lack of pretense and entitlement in Bellingham. The senior community is super friendly.”
Mei Sie said she has met many interesting people while working as a volunteer.
“During my career, I worked in the hospitality and medical industries. Day to day, it’s the same backdrop and culture,” Sie said. “But here, it’s a kaleidoscope of human beings. Lunches lift the mind and lift the spirit.”
Nutritionally balanced meals
According to the Alliance on Aging Research, older adults are at an increased risk for malnutrition, in part, because of changing dietary needs and a decline in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease can reduce appetite, change metabolism and require dietary restrictions.
That’s why the nonprofit’s chef and staff experts in nutrition and food preparation work closely to develop menus that are flavorful, diverse, colorful and nutritionally balanced. Options are available for people with diabetes or who are vegetarian.
“There are so many different flavor profiles than just salt,” said Melody Philips, who serves as lead cook at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. “We’re always trying to mix it up, offering international cuisine like Mexican, Thai, Cajun and Indian dishes.”
Best lunch deal in town
With a suggested donation of $5, Fossen believes the senior community meals program is the best lunch deal in town. “The food is magnificent. Melody is a fantastic cook.”
With more than 10 years of experience working with Whatcom Council on Aging, Philips and her team of staff and volunteers prepare close to 250 nutritiously balanced meals every day for senior centers in Blaine, Ferndale and Bellingham, as well as additional meals on different days of the week for centers in Point Roberts, Everson and Sumas.
“Most everything we prepare in our kitchen is homemade, and there’s no one who is more appreciative of my cooking than our wonderful seniors,” she says.
For Senior Community Meals locations, days and times, visit Whatcom Council on Aging at whatcomcoa.org or call 360/733-4030.
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