A lunch bunch for the ages

By PAT JENKINS

Editor

Sixtysomethings come for the food and stay for the socializing during weekly lunches hosted in Federal Way by Social Services.

The largest non-profit agency serving seniors in King County includes the meals in its programs that boost the older generation. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Klahanee Lake Community Center, the boost is to stomachs and spirits.

About 65 people were expected for the Dec. 17 holiday luncheon, which featured Beef Wellington and live music by senior musicians for dancing.

“This is a great community meal program, and we are working hard to get the word out about it,” said Terri Holmes, who works on nutrition projects for Senior Services.

The word got to Joseph Graham, an Englishman visiting his son in Seattle. He came down to dine and dance.

“The people are so friendly,” Graham said.

The days of the lunches vary from site to site. Attendance varies daily, too. Wednesday is usually the biggest day in Federal Way, as that’s when a band performs, said Jennifer Ripley, the lunch manager for Social Services.

Volunteers and some paid staff cook meals at a central kitchen in Spanaway in Pierce County and deliver them to Klahanee and the other sites. The meals "promote independence of seniors" and improve their lives nutritionally and socially, Ripley said.

Diners 60 and over can make a donation for their lunch. Anyone under 60 pays $5.75.

Established in 1967, Senior Services provides 70,000 seniors, their families and care-givers with nine senior centers, six adult daycare health programs and other services, such as the meals.

The agency has more than 6,300 volunteers and approximately 250 employees. Half of its $11 million annual budget is from taxpayer-based sources, including federal, state, city and county governments. Funding has also come from United Way for the last 30 years.

Senior Services officials note that with increases in longevity (the “oldest old,” 85 and up, are the fastest-growing segment of seniors) and the improving health of older folks, agencies like theirs have an important role.

Senior Services wants to help seniors have healthy, productive and active futures, officials said.

Editor Pat Jenkins: 925-5565, editor@fedwaymirror.com