Food connects us
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
From an early age, many of us can remember enjoying Sunday dinners and holiday feasts with our grandparents. The commonality of eating shared foods connects us to culture, family and friends, just as much as it nourishes our bodies. By sharing a meal, eating becomes an experience. There is an opportunity for discussion and learning – about cooking, the ingredients, tastes, and associated cultures or traditions.
As we grow older, several factors may change our relationship with food and the way we prepare meals. These factors can include health conditions, finances, food access and living situations. PCA understands the importance of both social connections and nutrition. That’s why we fund 28 senior community centers and satellite meal centers throughout the city that serve nutritious meals to older adults each weekday. You are welcome to enjoy these meals, as well as the full range of activities that senior centers have to offer. (Reservations may be required for lunch and some events. Contact your local senior center directly for details. For a list of centers, go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.)
National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign every March that was established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, let’s be more mindful about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating habits.
For nutrition information and tips, go to EatRight.org. To learn about PCA’s meal programs, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
If you need help to access or afford food, consider these resources:
- PCA provides home-delivered meals and funds communal meals at senior centers throughout Philadelphia: 215-765-9040
- The City of Philadelphia’s Food and Meal Finder website lists sites for free food, nutrition services and public benefits: phila.gov/food
- Share Food Program, the largest hunger relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia Region, maintains a database of food pantries and distribution programs, as well as manages the monthly Senior Food Box Program: 215-223-2220 | ShareFoodProgram.org
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) provides funds to help people with low incomes buy food: 1-800-692-7462 | pa.gov
