Name of program: Food Services

What is the program’s goal? The goal of Food Services is to prepare and deliver meals to children participating in Head Start-Preschool and seniors

When was the program established at EOC? 1970s

Who do you help (client base)? seniors and children in Head Start-Preschool program

What are the eligibility requirements? s eniors must be over the age of 60; children follow Head Start – Preschool guidelines

How many clients do you serve monthly/annually? We serve 1 million meals annually.

Who is the current program manager? Food Services Director is Gary Joseph

How many employees work for this program? 45

Where is your office / are your offices located? 3100 W. Nielsen (on Nielsen west of Marks)

Tell us about one of your “success stories” In 2007, after seeing a flyer for the Senior Nutrition Program at Caruthers Senior Center, a 59-year-old woman – we’ll call her “Ann” –walked into the senior center stating she had lost her job, was in poor health, alone, depressed, and not able to meet her financial obligations. Ms. Phyllis Kepford, coordinator for Caruthers Senior Center, says Ann began attending the site shortly after her 60 th birthday and now serves as a volunteer. Ms. Kepford says Ann’s physical and mental condition has improved and states Ann has expressed immense gratitude for the program, both the nutritional aspect of the meal and the good fellowship. Ann can’t thank EOC and Caruthers Senior Center, specifically, for providing this service to her. She doesn’t know what she would do without it.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about your program? Our Food Services program also administers Café EOC and offers catering services.

Café EOC is our employee take-out food service located in EOC’s Executive Plaza at 1900 Mariposa Mall. This inexpensive and convenient service is offered to our employees as an alternative to other food venues located on the Fulton Mall. We provide nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack items and, in conjunction with the Agency’s Wellness Program, offer employees healthier food choices via “Randy Recommends”, a program designed to provide more nutritious food items which are lower in calories yet provide greater essential nutrients and fiber.

We also operate Dakota Diner, which is located at Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging’s (FMAAA) Senior Resource Center – formerly Sierra Community Hospital – near Blackstone and Dakota avenues.