The Meals for Better Living Senior Nutrition Site, located in the Town Hall Building, 207 Johnson Ave., in Westport, is a place where more than food is served.

For more than 25 years, seniors have been gathering for meals, but they also have the chance to participate in other activities such as games, fellowship and entertainment.

“We want to let people know this service is out there,” said Sheila Woods, Nutrition Director.

The Meals for Better Living Senior Nutrition Site is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. each day. The Senior Luncheon Site has been managed by Diana Tichenor for six years and, according to staff and participants, she brings plenty of warmth and hospitality to the site with her each day.

“Diana is a wonderful person and she does a lot by herself,” Woods proclaimed.

Tichenor walks, talks and engages in fellowship with the participants who come to the site. It’s been noted she makes each one feel welcome as soon as they walk into the Luncheon Site. Participants have said that coming to the Luncheon Site each day gives them a reason to get out of their homes and enjoy a good lunch with others rather than eating alone. People enjoy the nutrition, education, games, resources, and socialization that they get when they come to the site.

The Meals for Better Living Senior Luncheon Site of Westport serves about 50 meals a week in their dine-in setting. Tichenor encourages more participants to come in and dine. Lunch is provided on a free-will donation basis to those who are 60 years old or older. Those under 60 may come in and dine for $4.50. Lunch reservations can be made by calling the site at 591-3500.

Tichenor also delivers hot meals to the homebound seniors in and around the Westport area. Home delivered meals can be purchased on a short-term or long-term basis, which is ideal for those who may be recuperating from surgery or illness.

“With the business of work and other activities, it’s hard sometimes to always make sure a warm, nutritious meal is served for loved ones who are homebound,” Woods said. “We are spreading the word there is a resolution.”

Experts say good nutrition and rest are essential to the body for healing after surgery and most illnesses. Home delivered meals can be purchased for $4.50 on a Private-Pay basis and can usually start the following business day. Funding sources may be available to help pay for home delivered meals for those who are eligible. Eligibility is determined through a case managed assessment.

The Meals for Better Living Senior Nutrition Program of Aging & Community Services is a 501 3-C Charitable Organization and relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and churches to help meet the client’s nutritional needs. More information about this program can be found at www.agingandcommunityservices.org or by calling Sheila Woods, Meals for Better Living Senior Nutrition Program Director of Aging & Community Services, 1-866-644-6407.