Byesville Rotary Club learns many seniors deal with hunger

Pictured: Shon Gress, Executive Director Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, and Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

 Shon Gress, Executive Director Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, spoke to club members about the challenges Guernsey County seniors face as they try to stretch limited budgets to cover their health costs, housing costs, and still provide themselves with a healthy diet.

Through the leadership of Gress, the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center (GCSCC) is nationally recognized for its innovative programs ensuring seniors get healthy, nutritious meals. GCSCC offers a variety of programs aimed at meeting the nutritional needs.

Gress’s version of Meals on Wheels is the program bringing him national attention. needs. Partnering with Meals on Wheels America and several other agencies, the GCSCC implemented ServTracker which allows people who deliver meals to submit reports if they notice significant changes in their clients’ physical health or home environments. This means that problems can be identified and solved early before they become life threatening.

The Meals on Wheels program helps seniors stay at home and stay health by delivering meals 5 days a week to eligible seniors. Easily reheated frozen meals can be provided for the week ends. Each meal is prepared under the watchful eye of a GCSCC registered dietician who ensures each meal meets the recommended daily allowance requirements for people 60 or older. Gress emphasized meals are personalized to meet the dietary needs of for each client.

GCSCC also offers Meals As You Mend, which provides up to 30 home delivered meals to Guernsey County residents 60 or older who have been recently discharged from Southern Med. Discharged patients often feel too weak or tired to even get up and make soup. For these patients, this program is a Godsend. And, for an additional donation, this program can be extended to a family member.

Gress pointed out that GCSCC also provides meals and an opportunity to socialize at various sites around the county. Hot meals are offered Monday thru Friday at the Senior Center in Cambridge and Cambridge Heights Apartments in Cambridge. Lunches are served at 4 satellite sites around the county. Call the Senior Center—740-439-6681—to make a reservation and for locations and times.  

Gress explained all these meals are provided on a "donation only basis." For seniors 60 and over, the suggested donation for a meal is $2.50. For seniors under 60, the suggested donation for a meal is $5.50. No senior citizen will be denied service based on whether they can or cannot make a donation.

Pictured: Shon Gress, Executive Director Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, and Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President.