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PICKLE-FEST 2024

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september, 2025

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

SLO Pickle Festival Oct 4th🥒we serve free healthy meals & social connections for older adults in SLO county at 9 dining sites and homebound delivery🍽️

🥒🎉 WINNER ANNOUNCED!🎉🥒 Thank you for e

🥒🎉 WINNER ANNOUNCED!🎉🥒
Thank you for everyone who participated and don’t miss your chance to be part of the pickle party, enjoy unlimited tastings, and support Meals That Connect 💚 Get your tickets at slopicklefestival.org/tickets.

Featuring our main act The Brass Factory 🎤🎸

All made possible by @hyundaislo @mechanics_bank @newtimesslo @atascadero_chamber @southcountychambers @slocal @sloparksandrec

Relish in some fun with @babybearbiscuitsca @dirtydillco @slofoodcoop @slocalphotobooth @through_eyes_of_glass @pickled4you2enjoy @pasoroblesinn @slolovebite @root_elixirs @drinkuglybitch @sugarlipsslo @lonelyoakarts and so much more!

#SLOPickleFest #Giveaway #sanluisobispo #festival #calpolyslo

🥒 How did the SLO Pickle Festival come to life?

🥒 How did the SLO Pickle Festival come to life?

It all started in 2020 when galas were no longer fun (or safe). Meals That Connect needed a fresh way to fundraise and serve over 200,000 seniors annually across San Luis Obispo County—and that’s when pickleball entered the scene.

Fast forward to 2024, when one brilliant intern asked: “What if we made it ALL about pickles?” 🥒✨

And just like that, the SLO Pickle Festival was born—bringing together food lovers, local businesses, and over 500 attendees for a day of pickle tastings, music, and fun. This year, we expect it to be bigger and better!

Featuring our main act The Brass Factory 🎤🎸

All made possible by @hyundaislo @mechanics_bank @newtimesslo @atascadero_chamber @southcountychambers @slocal @sloparksandrec

Relish in some fun with @babybearbiscuitsca @dirtydillco @slofoodcoop @slocalphotobooth @through_eyes_of_glass @pickled4you2enjoy @pasoroblesinn @slolovebite @ososflower @root_elixirs @drinkuglybitch @sugarlips.805 @sugarlipsslo @lonelyoakarts @pickled4you2enjoy and so many more!

👉 Don’t miss your chance to be part of history!
🎟️ Get your tickets for Oct. 4, 2025 – link in bio

🚗🥒 Take a spin, win a pickle-licious prize!

🚗🥒 Take a spin, win a pickle-licious prize!
Test drive a Hyundai Elantra at Hyundai San Luis Obispo this September and you’ll be entered to win FREE tickets to the SLO Pickle Festival! 🎟️🎉 Don’t miss your chance to cruise into fun + flavor. Ask your salesperson how you can enter to win! #slopicklefestival #sanluisobispo #slofestival #hyundai #testdrive #freetickets #giveaway

🚗🥒 Pickled Palisade Challenge! 🥒🚗 @hyu

🚗🥒 Pickled Palisade Challenge! 🥒🚗 @hyundaislo
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bold, powerful, and spacious enough for up to eight passengers… but what if those passengers were pickles? 🤔 19,800!! @isabell.dibernardo won the giveaway challenge! Congratulations on winning free tickets to the SLO PICKLE FESTIVAL 🥒 Grab tickets to the SLO Pickle Festival at slopicklefestival.org/tickets — link in bio!

A huge thank you to @slocountycattlewomen for spon

A huge thank you to @slocountycattlewomen for sponsoring our Beef Taco Salad scheduled to deliver this Friday!! 🥩 🌮 🥗 Their mission is to promote the past, present, and future of the beef industry supporting agriculture in our community. We are so grateful they’ve chosen to partner with us to nourish local seniors. Want to make an impact? You can! Email us at info@mealsthatconnect.org or call 805-541-3312 for more information.

📸 Big Dill News! 🥒✨ We are beyond gratefu

📸 Big Dill News! 🥒✨

We are beyond grateful to @mechanics_bank Mechanics Bank for their generous $5,000 sponsorship of the upcoming SLO Pickle Festival! Their support helps Meals That Connect continue serving seniors in our community while bringing you a briny, flavor-packed day of pickle fun. 💚

Join us on Saturday, October 4th 1-4PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo for:
✅ Unlimited pickle tastings from local vendors
✅ Live music + entertainment
✅ VIP early access for the ultimate pickle lovers

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at slopicklefestival.org/tickets

Thank you, Mechanics Bank, for making this event possible and helping us connect our community through food and fun! 🙌

#SLObigDill #SLOPickleFestival #MechanicsBank #MealsThatConnect

The SLO Pickle Festival, presented by Mechanics Ba

The SLO Pickle Festival, presented by Mechanics Bank, returns bringing a 21+ event filled with UNLIMITED pickle-inspired bites and tastings from local vendors, live music, interactive activities, and more!

Hurry! Get your tickets soon at slopicklefestival.org/tickets! Early Bird Sale is live until sold out.

General admission includes UNLIMITED pickle-inspired bites and tastings from local vendors, access to live music, along with free parking and bike valet. VIP admission offers early entry into the event (12PM - 4PM), a private musical performance, and all general admission perks.

🥒IT'S KIND OF A BIG DILL! 🥒 The SLO Pickle F

🥒IT'S KIND OF A BIG DILL! 🥒 The SLO Pickle Festival, presented by @mechanics_bank , returns bringing a 21+ event filled with UNLIMITED pickle-inspired bites and tastings from local vendors, live music, interactive activities, and more! Guests can enjoy a variety of food and drink tastings while relishing a lively atmosphere.

Hurry! Get your tickets soon at slopicklefestival.org/tickets! Early Bird Sale is live until sold out.

Volunteer opportunities available now! Go to slopicklefestival.org/volunteer to sign up.

General admission includes UNLIMITED pickle-inspired bites and tastings from local vendors, access to live music, along with free parking and bike valet. VIP admission offers early entry into the event (12PM - 4PM), a private musical performance, and all general admission perks.

Proceeds from the event will support Meals That Connect, ensuring that every bite makes a difference. #mealsthatconnect #sanluisobispo #festival #livemusic

Our main kitchen received nearly 500 lbs of lamb (

Our main kitchen received nearly 500 lbs of lamb (that’s 18 boxes!) from the @37thbuyerscoalition , a group of dedicated students who raise animals for local fairs and community impact.

Lexus, one of the student participants, shared how rewarding it was to raise her lamb and know it would nourish seniors across SLO County. 💛

We’re so grateful for the care, commitment, and generosity of these students. Their efforts help us serve thousands of meals every week. 🙌

#MealsThatConnect #SLOCares #FarmToCommunity #StudentRaised #37thBuyersCoalition #SupportLocal #SeniorNutrition

🌸 Something to brighten your feed — and brigh

🌸 Something to brighten your feed — and brighten our seniors’ days! 🌸

This weekend, thanks to our friends at @floracycle.slo , we received a delivery of beautiful, recycled flowers. Our team loaded up the delivery drivers’ cars this morning so these blooms could head out with meals to bring joy to our seniors.

We love seeing our seniors smile when we deliver a little extra something special. Swipe to see our seniors smile with their flowers!

Partnering with local organizations is what helps keep our community connected and cared for. 💛

Want to partner with us? Reach out at info@mealsthatconnect.org or call 805-541-3312 — let’s make a difference together!

💛 Donate today at mealsthatconnect.org/donate-n

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Older Amer

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) — a historic commitment to supporting the health, dignity, and independence of older adults across the country.

The first slide shows President Lyndon B. Johnson offers Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus a pen he used to sign the Older Americans Act into law in 1965 — a pivotal moment that continues to impact lives today.

Thanks to this vital legislation, programs like Meals That Connect are able to serve over 220,000 nutritious meals each year to older adults across San Luis Obispo County — delivered with a smile, a wellness check, and a meaningful connection to community at 9 dining sites countywide.

💚 Every meal matters. Every connection counts.

➡️ Tell us: Who is a senior in your life who inspires you? Drop their name or story in the comments below.
📸Share a photo with them and tag us — we’d love to celebrate them with you!

#OlderAmericansAct #MealsThatConnect #60YearsOfImpact #SupportOurSeniors #SeniorNutritionMatters #OlderAmericansAct

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

🎇 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

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

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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.

Contact Us

+1 (805) 541-3312

officeadmin@mealsthatconnect.org

265 South Street #B

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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JOIN VIRTUAL LUNCH 12-1PM WEEKDAYS

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THE SLO PICKLE FESTIVAL RETURNS!!!

October 4th 1- 4PM at Laguna Lake Park
For more information, go to slopicklefestival.org
All proceeds benefit Meals that Connect

GET TICKETS HERE

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