May’s Board Commissioner’s meeting kicked off with an informational yet light-hearted and entertaining presentation from Food Services director Gary Joseph and Lugena Crouch, Riverdale senior site coordinator.

Ms. Crouch explained how the food delivered to Riverdale’s senior site provides seniors with more than just a nutritious meal, but fellowship and a reason to get up in the morning. Crouch said individuals who feel the pressure of caring for their sick spouse find comfort in sharing their obstacles and everyday adversities with other caretakers. “They realize they are not alone in caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other ailments and illnesses,” she said.

A letter, co-authored by participants of Riverdale’s Senior Meals program, thanked the program, our Board of Commissioners, and funders for providing them with “probably the only hot, well-balanced meal some of us get all day”.

The Board took action on the following items:

• Approved ratification of two grant applications submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice in collaboration with Fresno County Sheriff’s Department and City of Fresno’s Police Department in the amount of $500,000 each. The application is to support the Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVAHNT) program for a 2-year project period, beginning October 1, 2011.