STAFFORD, NJ – Ocean County seniors have a place to share a meal and socialize again with the reopening of the Ocean County Seniors Nutrition Site at the South Ocean County Service Center.

Called the Community Café, seniors have the opportunity to share a meal, participate in activities and socialize again.

The Community Café opened in 2019 and closed a year later due to the pandemic. Now, after two years of closure, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate its reopening, joined by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, Community Services Inc., Meals on Wheels of Ocean County and more.

“When we opened this senior nutrition site in 2019, no one imagined having to close it a year later due to a global pandemic,” said Ocean County Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari, who is president of Ocean County Senior Services. “It is important that our seniors can travel and socialize again, and we are happy to provide a place for them to do so.”

“The Community Café not only serves hot, nutritious meals five days a week, but it also serves as a place to hang out with friends and family,” said James G. Sigurdson, General Manager of Community Services Inc. “We are grateful for the continued and generous support of County Commissioners, the Office of Senior Services, our many community partners and the dedicated staff who contribute to our success. »

Residents of Ocean County who are 60 or older, can provide transportation to and from the site, and can care for themselves on site are welcome at the Community Café. No payment is required, but guests can donate $2 to cover the cost of the meal. To reserve a spot, residents can call 609-978-6866.

A different hot lunch is offered each weekday, approved by a qualified nutritionist and predicted to provide at least one-third of the recommended daily nutrient intake set by the United States Department of Agriculture.

In addition to meals, the Community Café offers physical activities, arts and crafts, educational programs, health screenings and musical guests.

“Community Services Inc. and Meals on Wheels of Ocean County continue to support the needs of our elderly residents, whether by providing hot meals at our nutrition sites or providing more than 1,000 meals delivered to homes for residents confined to home,” Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director John P. Kelly said. “I would like to thank the Office of Senior Services for their hard work with Community Services Inc. for the success of this program.”

The Ocean County Southern Service Center is located at 179 Main Street South in Manahawkin. For more information on the Community Café program and Meals on Wheels, visit https://csimow.org/.