Starting July 10, senior diners will eat in a hybrid indoor/outdoor space at Avenidas while a permanent space is sought by La Comida
Palo Alto, CA (July 6, 2023) — According to the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA), most older adults want to age in their own homes. Communities that assist seniors in becoming active outside of their homes promote quality of life and contribute to active aging. Avenidas and La Comida, in partnership with the City of Palo Alto, are pleased to announce a facilities use license agreement which will create temporary space for La Comida’s senior lunch program, providing an opportunity for senior social connection and nourishment.
La Comida, incorporated in 1972, was the first senior lunch program in the county. When Avenidas, an organization providing services and programs to older adults, was being renovated in 2017, La Comida relocated their operations to multiple locations in downtown Palo Alto, where they served up to 140 diners a day. During the pandemic, La Comida saw their number of patrons more than double. As La Comida continues to expand its lunch program, they will search for a permanent home in Palo Alto that will accommodate their current and future growth of diners. As an interim solution, Avenidas has offered a hybrid indoor/outdoor dining solution that will allow for 65 diners.
Details of the facilities use license agreement include:
- The La Comida senior lunch program at Avenidas is scheduled to begin on July 10, 2023.
- 28 seats inside Avenidas/450 Bryant Street and 37 tented seats outside in the Avenidas Ramona Street parking lot for a total of 65 seats.
- La Comida operates its lunch program Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We are delighted to welcome La Comida diners to Avenidas,” said Amy Yotopoulos, President and CEO of Avenidas. “Social connection is a crucial part of a senior’s quality of life and that is something we strive to do with all our programming and services, like case management, senior transportation, facilitating legal, Medicare, and tax assistance, grocery delivery, and caregiver support.”
“Food insecurity is on the minds of many senior citizens, even in an affluent city like Palo Alto. Our program is designed to minimize that fear.” said John St. Clair III, Vice President and Board Member of La Comida. “We are happy to temporarily share space with Avenidas, a senior center in a familiar location, giving seniors a space to connect with friends and learn more about other Avenidas programs.”
“The City is thrilled to support this agreement between Avenidas and La Comida to establish an interim senior nutrition program at the City’s 450 Bryant Street,” said Ed Lauing, Palo Alto council member and city liaison to Avenidas. “We will continue to work together to ensure a permanent home for this important community service.”
About Avenidas
Since 1969, Avenidas services and programs have been helping older adults in the San Francisco mid-Peninsula area be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible. Annually, Avenidas serves nearly 6,000 participants in two adult enrichment centers and one adult day healthcare center located in Palo Alto and Mountain View. Whether seniors require rides to a doctor’s office, counseling sessions, or technology assistance, or if they want to learn a new language, take an exercise class, or make new friends, Avenidas is here for them.
About La Comida
La Comida serves Palo Alto area seniors a delicious, warm, sit-down meal each weekday; provides a nurturing environment in which they can commune and build friendships; and contributes to their inclusion and belonging.
Contact:
Michelle T. Shinseki
650-289-5427
mshinseki@avenidas.org
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