Mayor Sarno announces return of Hot Lunch Program for Springfield Seniors

The hot lunch program at the senior centers was previously discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic when senior centers were forced to closed.  To continue to provide meals to Springfield homebound seniors, Mayor Sarno initiated a meals distribution program for seniors that were registered with the Department of Elder Affairs where hot meals were delivered to their homes. 

With the senior centers now reopened and programs returning and underway, attendance at the senior centers has increased creating the need to bring back the hot lunch program.  Below is the anticipated schedule for the hot lunch program at the four municipal senior centers – please note that Reservations are required by 12:30 pm one (1) day in advance.  Seniors can call (413) 787-6785.

Mayor Sarno stated, “This has been on my mind for some time.  With attendance at our senior centers increasing now that they are reopened and the many great programs restarting again, the numbers reflect the need to begin to serve hot lunches for our Springfield seniors.  I want to thank Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Elder Affairs Director Sandy Federico and their dedicated staff for their continued efforts on behalf of our seniors.  I also want to acknowledge and thank City Councilor Tim Allen for working with my administration on restarting this program for our seniors.  Special shoutout to Sheriff Nick Cocchi and his team for working with us during the pandemic and helping to deliver meals to our Springfield homebound seniors, this is one of many initiatives and programs Sheriff Cocchi has partnered with us on to enhance the quality of life for our residents.  Bringing back the hot lunches for our seniors at all of our senior centers was a priority of mine as we transition out of the pandemic and welcome back our seniors.”

HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris stated, “Since the onset of the pandemic we have not been able to provide hot meals at our senior centers, however we were able to deliver meals to our homebound seniors.  We are now in a position to safely provide lunches to our seniors at our senior centers and we are grateful that Mayor Sarno has made the seniors a priority.  With the return of the hot lunch program, we anticipate a robust content with health foods and we are looking forward to welcoming back more of our seniors.”

Elder Affairs Director Federico said, “Our seniors are so grateful to Mayor Sarno for restarting the hot lunch program.  They had expressed their hope to be able to have hot lunch again at our senior centers and with this announcement they feel that their voices have been heard.  I am thrilled to once again have our senior centers offer a hot lunch, along with many of the other programs we provide.  My dedicated staff and I are looking forward to welcoming all of our seniors to our senior centers with open arms and with a warm meal.  I would like to encourage any senior that is interested in visiting one of our neighborhood senior centers for a hot lunch to call a day in advance and make their reservations.”      

Councilor Tim Allen added, “There is nothing like a hot lunch on a cold winters day.  Just as our weather is beginning to turn colder, we are pleased to announce our new hot lunch program at our senior centers.  Come join in for some nice hot food for the mind, body and soul.”