MIFA has been delivering meals to homebound seniors since 1976, and while the food is the focus, it’s the connection and community that are most important and impactful for participants. This couldn’t be more apparent than at community centers providing congregate meals.
In partnership with Meals on Wheels, MIFA partners with several high rises and community centers to provide nutritious meals to older and disabled citizens.
MIFA also provides opportunities for community partners, such as the Memphis Fire Department, to come and provide information on how older and disabled citizens can still live independent lifestyles.
The Food Service Coordinators at each site plan various activities to keep clients physically active and mentally stimulated. Physical activities include Senior Carnival where clients play games such as Ring Toss and Cake Walk.
The sites have planned out-of-town trips and field trips as well for clients. Some clients have taken the train New Orleans on these trips and, during the springtime, the clients pay a visit to the Memphis Zoo.
Congregate meals at community centers highlight partnerships, social benefits to eating together, and food provided at the neighborhood level. It’s an aspect of Meals on Wheels that many still don’t know about.
Essentially, it's a group meal option for seniors who are able to get to a site to socialize while still accessing nutritious food.
According to Senior Director of MIFA Meals on Wheels Meghan Havior, congregate site meals are filled with joy, fellowship, and laughter.
“We serve meals at 15 sites throughout Shelby County,” she said. “The sites are as far as Arlington, Collierville, and Millington and we have about 500-600 people enrolled to receive meals.”
For more information, visit
www.mifa.org.
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