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Dining Site Assistant

February 4, 2025

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So Close You Can Almost
Taste It

Enjoy free, hot weekday meals at 8 dining sites across San Luis Obispo County.

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mealsthatconnect

We serve free hot meals and social connections for older adults in SLO County 🍽️
We host nine dining sites and free delivery to homebound seniors. 💚
Meet Jim, one of our incredible volunteer drivers Meet Jim, one of our incredible volunteer drivers at our Los Osos site! 🚗💚 He delivers meals to the very neighborhood he lives in—connecting with neighbors and friends while making a real difference each week. Jim started just a few months ago and already plays a vital role in our mission. He cares deeply about every senior he delivers to—checking in on each one, noticing changes, and reporting back to our site host if someone might need extra support. This kind of attention and empathy is what makes our program more than just a meal. “You get a feel for how each senior is,” Jim shared. “Some want to talk for hours, and some you don’t see much because they’re cared for by family.” I recently joined Jim on a ride-along and witnessed the impact firsthand. One woman waits on her porch with a book, soaking in the morning. Another invites us into her lifelong home to share stories and photos. A gentleman with dementia sometimes struggles to remember, so Jim began wearing a white name tag to help—small, thoughtful actions that go a long way. This is what compassion in action looks like. ❤️ Our volunteers are the heart of what we do. Want to make a difference like Jim? Join us as a volunteer! Go to https://mealsthatconnect.org/en/donate-now/ or find the link in our bio! #VolunteerSpotlight #MealsThatConnect #LosOsos #CompassionInAction #DeliverMoreThanMeals #SeniorSupport #VolunteerWithU
There’s still time to donate to the @37thbuyersc There’s still time to donate to the @37thbuyerscoalition — an incredible group that supplies locally produced, high-quality protein to organizations like Meals That Connect. Support local 4-H, Grange, and FFA youth leaders as they exhibit their projects at the 2025 Santa Barbara County Fair. Many of their projects will provide proteins through organizations including Meals that Connect. Come meet the exhibitors at the Fair! You can also support their efforts with raffle ticket sales to win half a cut and wrapped beef! 👉 Donate today by clicking the link in our bio or go to https://www.37thbuyerscoalition.com/donate 👉 Donate today by clicking the link in our bio or go to https://mealsthatconnect.org/en/give/#donate-now 🎟️ Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the Santa Barbara County Fair @santamariafairpark by finding the link in our bio or visiting https://www.santamariafairpark.com/p/tickets #SupportLocalYouth #SantaBarbaraCountyFair #MealsThatConnect #FFA #4H #Grange #LocalProtein #RaffleForACause
🎇 Healthy & Festive 4th of July Recipe! Whip up 🎇 Healthy & Festive 4th of July Recipe! Whip up this Berry & Farro Salad + Lemon Garlic Chicken combo—balanced, colorful, and packed with flavor! 🥗 Salad Ingredients (Serves 4): – 4–6 cups salad greens (like arugula or romaine) – 1 cup cooked farro – 1 cup sliced strawberries – 1 cup blueberries – ½ cup crumbled feta – ¼ cup walnuts – Optional: fresh basil 🌿 ✨ Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tbsp ground mustard, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey/maple, salt & pepper. Shake it up! 🍋 Lemon Baked Chicken: 4 chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice & zest, olive oil, garlic, Dijon, red pepper, salt & pepper. Bake at 400°F for 25–35 mins until internal temp hits 165°F. 🔥 Steps: 1️⃣ Marinate chicken (15–120 min) 2️⃣ Boil farro (12–15 min) 3️⃣ Prep salad & dressing 4️⃣ Bake chicken 5️⃣ Toss salad, slice chicken, and serve! 💡 Nutrition per serving: ~520 cal | Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and antioxidants! 💬 Make it your own! Add basil, cucumbers, watermelon, or grilled veggies. Tag us if you make it! 🫐🍓🍗 #FourthOfJulyEats #HealthySummer #MealPrep #BerrySalad #LemonChicken #EasyRecipes #CookingWithEmilia #FreshAndFestive #MealsThatConnect
Nola is preparing her lamb, Buster, for the 2025 S Nola is preparing her lamb, Buster, for the 2025 Santa Barbara County Fair at @santamariafairpark July 9th - July 13th. Find Nola and Buster at market classes, showmanship, and livestock auctions at the fair! Hurry, get tickets today at https://www.santamariafairpark.com/p/tickets--deals or find the link in our bio. "Hi! My name is Nola Zavala, and I’m an incoming senior at Nipomo High School. I’ve been a proud FFA member for the past several years and currently serve as both a Nipomo FFA Chapter Officer and the Regional FFA President. I’ve shown sheep at the Santa Barbara County Fair for five years, and taking care of my show animals has taught me responsibility, dedication, and compassion. I joined FFA because of the countless opportunities it offers to grow as a leader and individual—and because of the supportive and welcoming environment that makes every member feel like they belong. Thank you to Meals That Connect and their partners for supporting youth in agriculture and helping us continue doing what we love!" There's still time to donate to the @37thbuyerscoalition — an incredible group that supplies locally produced, high-quality protein to organizations like Meals That Connect. Their donations of locally raised meat help us serve balanced, nutritious meals to older adults in need. Donate today at https://www.37thbuyerscoalition.com/donate. Find the link in our bio! #MealsthatConnect #37thBuyersCoaliton #Community #santabarbaracountyfair #santamariafairpark #donatetoday
There's still time to donate to the 37th District There's still time to donate to the 37th District Buyers Coalition — an incredible group that supplies locally produced, high-quality protein to organizations like Meals That Connect. 🐄🍽️ Their donations of locally raised meat help us serve balanced, nutritious meals to older adults in need. Take a look inside our dining hall and see the impact of your generosity in action. 💛 Every dollar helps fuel dignity, nourishment, and community. 👉 Donate today: https://www.37thbuyerscoalition.com/donate #MealsThatConnect #SupportLocal #GrassFedGoodness #CommunityDriven #NourishWithLove #SeniorNutrition #LocalMatters #DonateNow #37thDistrictBuyersCoalition #FoodForGood #CentralCoastCares
Meet Victoria! Every Wednesday, she enjoys a free, Meet Victoria! Every Wednesday, she enjoys a free, nutritious meal at the Paso Robles Senior Center—time she cherishes to catch up with friends and treat herself to a lively bingo match. “I’ve never had a bad meal here,” Victoria shares. “You know, many people our age can’t cook or don’t have the financial means to enjoy a well-balanced, nutritious meal. Even some come to eat because they simply don’t want to cook for one person.” Victoria also helps prepare meals with her brother and loves playing games like Kings Corner with her friend before bingo kicks off at 1:30 PM. “Oh yes, we get a good turnout for bingo,” Victoria says, “but we’re always looking for new faces to join us.” From dominoes and dice to chair yoga, iPad study group, poker, knitting, scrabble, and more—there’s never a dull moment. The room is filled with laughter, conversation, and some serious (but friendly) competition! Want to get involved or learn more? Call us at 805-471-3030 or visit mealsthatconnect.org. #MealsThatConnect #PasoRoblesSeniors #BingoWednesday #SeniorConnection #SeniorWellness #CommunityMatters #JoinUs
🌟 Celebrating Our 2025 Staff Award Honorees! 🌟 At Meals That Connect, it’s the people behind the scenes who make all the difference—and today, we honor three of our outstanding team members for their dedication, heart, and impact. 💛 Monica Driven by a deep love for service, Monica does this for the seniors. Her compassion, focus, and unwavering commitment inspire us daily. 💙 Madeline Always stepping up and stepping out, Madeline cross-trains, covers sites, and brings our mission into the community with grace and strength. 💚 Whitney Whitney met her new role in Oceano with courage and a big smile. Her adaptability and positivity are already making waves—and we’re so lucky to have her. 👏 Join us in congratulating these amazing team members who embody what Meals That Connect is all about. #MealsThatConnect #StaffAppreciation #TeamSpotlight #GratitudeInAction #SeniorNutrition #CommunityCare
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Barbara Horne, RD, CSG 🌟 🌟 Staff Spotlight: Barbara Horne, RD, CSG 🌟 Meet Barbara, our incredible on-staff dietitian at Meals That Connect! After nearly 20 years serving seniors in King City, Barbara returned home to Morro Bay to serve the community that raised her — her family, friends, and neighbors. 💚 Barbara is passionate about helping older adults stay healthy through food. She carefully designs our menus to meet strict senior nutrition guidelines, including: ✅ Plenty of veggies: dark green, red & orange, starchy, beans, peas, and lentils ✅ Whole fruits ✅ Whole grains (at least half of daily grains!) ✅ Low-fat or lactose-free dairy options ✅ Lean proteins like poultry, seafood, beans, eggs, nuts & soy ✅ Healthy oils like vegetable oils and nuts Barbara also makes sure our meals limit: ❌ Added sugars (less than 10% of daily calories) ❌ Saturated fats (less than 10% of daily calories) ❌ Sodium (less than 2,300 mg per day) With Barbara’s expertise, we proudly provide healthy, balanced meals that support senior wellness every day. We’re so lucky to have her on our team! 🙌 👋Tag someone who has made your life healthier! 💭Comment below your favorite healthy dish! #MealsThatConnect #StaffSpotlight #SeniorNutrition #HealthyAging #CommunityCare #SLOCounty
Just another joyful day at our San Luis Obispo sit Just another joyful day at our San Luis Obispo site during noontime meals 💛 The room was buzzing with friends swapping weekend stories, calling each other by name, and cracking jokes like they always do. Some couldn’t wait to snap a picture with their usual crew — because here, it’s more than just a meal, it’s family. 🥰 Interested in receiving free meals? Call our office at 805-541-3312 or email jaclyn@mealsthatconnect.org. We’d love to connect with you! #MealsThatConnect #SeniorMeals #CommunityLove #FriendshipGoals #MoreThanAMeal #JoyfulMoments #SanLuisObispoCounty #NationalSelfieDay
At Meals That Connect, our menus are always low in At Meals That Connect, our menus are always low in sodium, salt, and sugar — this helps you stay hydrated longer without needing to drink water all day or make extra trips to the bathroom. ✅ Low sodium helps your body retain the hydration it needs. ✅ Low sugar supports better hydration balance. ✅ Fresh fruits, veggies, and milk are always part of our meals to keep you nourished. ✅ Non-dairy? We’ve got you! We provide water and flavored calcium packets as an easy alternative to milk. 👵👴 As we age, sometimes we don’t feel thirsty or it’s hard to get up for a drink. Hydration Tip: Keep a water bottle nearby to remind yourself to sip. If you don’t like plain water, try adding fruits like strawberries or cucumbers for a tasty twist! Diabetics: Fruit-infused water is a great low-sugar option instead of sugary drinks like lemonade. We help you stay cool, hydrated, and healthy — all year long! 💭Comment below if you have a favorite summer produce! 🔖Save for your next grocery run! 🥰Share and tag your friends and family as a reminder! #MealsthatConnect #Healthytips #Summer #Seniorwellness
💛 Volunteer Spotlight: Linda! 💛 Meet Linda — 2025 Morro Bay Citizen of the Year! From the Natural History Museum to the local food bank to Meals That Connect, Linda has always been someone who gives back. She says, "I never know how to just sit—I love giving back. I've always volunteered." Originally from Massachusetts, Linda found her way to California and has built her community through years of service. Meals That Connect has now become her family. 💕 When people tell her they don’t have two hours to volunteer, she always asks, “Well, what else are you doing with those two hours?” Her advice? “Give yourself the gift of volunteering and stick with it.” 🎁 Want to get involved like Linda? 👉 Go to meals that connect . org, click Get Involved and sign up to volunteer! Or call 805-541-3312 to learn more. We have flexible opportunities in meal delivery, fundraising, kitchen prep, and office support! 💪🍽️ #VolunteerSpotlight #MealsThatConnect #GiveBack #MorroBay #CommunityHero #CitizenOfTheYear #VolunteerWithUs
Today, we celebrate all fathers—those with us an Today, we celebrate all fathers—those with us and those we lovingly remember. 💙 At Meals That Connect, we honor every dad, every memory, and every family touched by their love. To those missing their fathers today, we send our hearts to you. 💐 One of our incredible clients, a 92-year-old father who enjoys meals with friends at our Paso Robles Senior Center, shared this advice for new dads: “Have fun with them, and treat them right—because they’ll treat you right when you really need it later in life.” He has five wonderful children, and some of them even join him for meals at the center. Our Paso Robles Site Manager says their family is so kind and welcoming—a family that makes you feel like you’re part of their own. At Meals That Connect, we cherish these beautiful connections, because here, everyone is family. #FathersDay #MealsThatConnect #HappyFathersDay
🚨 Urgent Need for Volunteers in San Luis Obispo 🚨 Urgent Need for Volunteers in San Luis Obispo! 🚨 We are desperately looking for help at our San Luis Obispo site. Flexible weekday shifts, less than 2 hours — easy to fit into your summer schedule! ✅ Meal delivery to local seniors ✅ Meal prep (especially needed Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM!) ✅ Office assistance By volunteering, you’re strengthening our SLO community and making a real difference. 💚 👉 Can help Tuesdays & Thursdays for meal prep? Email jaclyn@mealsthatconnect.org or call 805-541-3312 ext. 116. 👉 Can’t do those times but still interested? We’ll work with your schedule! Sign up today at mealsthatconnect.org > Get Involved > Volunteer. Super quick, super easy! Let’s make an impact together! 💪 #VolunteerSLO #MealsThatConnect #CommunityStrong #MakeADifference
✨ Love Finds a Way — and Sometimes, It Finds Y ✨ Love Finds a Way — and Sometimes, It Finds You at Lunch. ✨ When Frank and Tina's sons signed them up for online dating, neither knew their real connection would begin somewhere else — right here at our Oceano Senior Center. Frank first noticed Tina’s smile (and her glasses!) on her dating profile, and they began messaging. But life had an even sweeter plan. Shortly after meeting online, Frank started a new role at the senior center and introduced himself at a Luncheon. After his introduction, Tina stepped up to meet him — not realizing he was the very same person she’d been chatting with online. Later that day, they messaged each other: "Did we just meet in person?" "Yes — was that you?" From that moment on, their story has been one of love, laughter, music, and faith. A couple months later, they were engaged and are now planning a life together filled with joy, community, and connection. What makes this story even more special? Tina first heard about our senior center from our program manager at a church event. She came to our site looking for community — and found her soulmate. 💚 Stories like Frank and Tina’s remind us why we do what we do. Meals That Connect is about more than nutrition — it’s about nourishing hearts, friendships, and life's most beautiful surprises. #MealsThatConnect #LoveAtFirstLunch #SeniorLoveStories #CommunityConnections #MoreThanMeals
🍽️ From Our Kitchen to Yours Quick, easy, an 🍽️ From Our Kitchen to Yours Quick, easy, and healthy — packed with lean protein, grains, and veggies, this recipe is ideal for families, busy professionals, and especially seniors who want nutritious, no-fuss meals that support long-term health. 👩‍🍳 Meet the Chef! Meet Emilia, a third-year Nutrition major at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) with big plans to become a registered dietitian! We're so grateful to have her as our Admin & Nutrition Intern—she’s here to help us understand what nutritious eating really looks like. Stay tuned for more cooking tutorials featuring Emilia's expert insight and healthy twists! Ingredients • 4–6 bell peppers (any color) • 1 lb ground turkey • Taco seasoning • 2 cups cooked quinoa, wild rice, or whole grain • 1 (15 oz) can salsa • 2 cups spinach • Cilantro (optional garnish) • ½ cup shredded low-fat mozzarella Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8" glass baking dish 2. Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds, and rinse 3. In a skillet, cook turkey for ~10 mins until browned. Add taco seasoning, drain excess fat, and return to pan 4. Stir in grains, 1 cup salsa, and spinach until combined 5. Place peppers upright in dish and stuff with mixture 6. Top with remaining salsa and shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil 7. Bake for 20 mins covered, then uncover and bake 10 mins more until cheese is bubbly Why it’s senior-friendly: Quinoa – Complete protein, high fiber, magnesium, and B-vitamins Ground turkey – Lean protein, lower in saturated fat, rich in B6, B12, selenium Bell peppers – Rich in vitamin C, lutein, and antioxidants for joint & vision health Spinach – Vitamins A & K for bone health, folate for cell repair and heart protection Nutrition per serving: 547 calories 44g protein 11g fat 69g carbs High in Vitamin C, A, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin E & zinc 💭Know of a easy, quick, and healthy meal? Comment below what meal we should do next! 🤝Share this with a busy friend or caregiver! #FromOurKitchenToYours #40x40Meals #HealthyAging #SeniorNutrition #MealsthatConnect #EasyMeals #MealPrepMadeEasy #HomeCooking #HealthyEating #BudgetFriendlyRecipes
🎉 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined 🎉 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our Open Houses this May in Morro Bay, Santa Margarita, and Los Osos! In celebration of Older Americans Month and this year’s theme — Flip the Script on Aging — we gathered to honor older adults, challenge stereotypes, and share valuable resources for healthy aging. Special thanks to our amazing guest speakers from SLO Regional Rideshare , SLO Food Bank , and San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department for helping us empower our community with knowledge and support. 💙 Let’s keep the momentum going — aging is something to celebrate! 💫 👇 Comment below what your favorite was! Was it the free tote bag or meeting new friends? 📲 Share with friends and family! 💾 Save this reel for the memories. #OlderAmericansMonth #FlipTheScriptOnAging #HealthyAging #CommunityMatters #SLOCounty #AgingWithPurpose #MealsThatConnect
"In Their Words" — Real Voices. Real Impact. Ev "In Their Words" — Real Voices. Real Impact. Every day, Meals That Connect does more than deliver food — we deliver connection, care, and community. As needs rise across our county, this program becomes even more essential to the seniors we serve. Hear from our clients, volunteers, and team about why your support matters — now more than ever. Thank you Steve L. for your words of gratitude! Donate by going to mealsthatconnect.org and click "Donate Now" in the top right corner. Volunteer by going to mealsthatconnect.org and clicking Get Involved - Volunteer in the top right corner. 💛 Join us. Advocate with us. Help us keep the momentum going. #MealsThatConnect #InTheirWords #SupportOurSeniors #CommunityCare #AdvocacyMatters
🫀 Nutrition & Heart Health with Emilia! Big t 🫀 Nutrition & Heart Health with Emilia! Big thanks to Emilia, a Nutrition major at Cal Poly SLO, for presenting at our San Luis Obispo dining location on Aging and Heart Disease. 💚 She shared research-backed ways to improve health at any age—like how lowering your sodium intake can help reduce the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. 👉 Her top tips? • Keep sodium under 2,300 mg/day • Use herbs, lemon juice, or vinegar instead of salt • Read nutrition labels • Limit processed foods We’re so grateful for her passion and knowledge in helping our community stay heart-healthy! 👏 💬 What’s your favorite heart-healthy habit or go-to low-sodium swap? Let us know in the comments! 📲 Share this post with your friends to pass along these simple, helpful tips! #MealsThatConnect #HeartHealth #NutritionEducation #HealthyAging #CalPoly #CommunityWellness #InternSpotlight
🧠 Caring for the Brain 🧠 Did you know your 🧠 Caring for the Brain 🧠 Did you know your brain weighs about 3 pounds and is about the size of your two fists held together? This week at our San Luis Obispo Dining Site, we welcomed Christie from the Emeritus Program at Cuesta College to teach us about healthy aging and the power of the brain! Her engaging lesson reminded us just how incredible—and delicate—our brains really are. Christie will be speaking about caring for the brain at our Los Osos Site, South Bay Community Center, tomorrow 5/16 at 11:30 a.m. Don't miss out! Swipe through for fun facts and easy tips to visualize and appreciate the organ that does it all. ✨ A big thank-you to Christie for sharing her wisdom with us! 🙌 💬 Got a fun brain fact? Drop it in the comments below! #HealthyAging #BrainHealth #EmeritusProgram #CuestaCollege #OlderAmericansMonth
🎉 Happy Birthday, John! 🎉 John just turned 🎉 Happy Birthday, John! 🎉 John just turned 95 years old—and he’s flipping the script on aging every single day. A retired physician, John believes the best test of physical ability is simple: can you get off the floor? That’s why he starts each morning on the ground—to prove he still can. His message for Older Americans Month? Take your health seriously. Eat your vegetables, move your body, and give at least 10 minutes a day to your well-being. Because healthy aging isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. 💪✨ 💭What’s your secret to staying healthy as you age? Share your tips in the comments below! #OlderAmericansMonth #FlipTheScript #HealthyAging #MealsThatConnect
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Meals that Connect is a program of the national nonprofit, Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo, fueled by CenCal Health, the Area Agency on Aging, and the many San Luis Obispo people and partners who prioritize seniors in our community.

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+1 (805) 541-3312

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