Stafford Senior Nutrition Site Reopens After Two-Year Pandemic Hiatus

STAFFORD, NJ — Ocean County's senior citizens again have a place to share a meal and socialize with the reopening of the Ocean County Senior Nutrition Site at the Ocean County Southern Service Center.

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

The Community Café opened in 2019 and shut down 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, nobody imagined having to shut it down a year later due a global pandemic,” said Ocean County Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Ocean County Senior Services. “It’s important that our seniors can once again travel and socialize, and we are happy to provide a location for them to do so.”

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

Ocean County residents who are 60 years or older, can provide transportation to and from the site, and can take care of themselves at the site are welcome to the Community Café. No payment is required, but guests can make a $2 donation towards 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 planned to provide at least one third of the recommended daily dietary allowance set by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Along with 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 provide for our senior residents whether providing hot meals at our nutrition sites, or by providing over 1,000 home delivered meals to homebound residents,” said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John P. Kelly. “I want 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 South Main Street in Manahawkin. For more information on the Community Café and Meals on Wheels program, visit https://csimow.org/.