Area IV Senior Nutrition: Serving More Than Just a Meal

The meals are served daily at the Faulkton Senior Center at 12:00 p.m. sharp. Things like chef salad, ground beef stroganoff, baked pork chops and BBQ pulled pork; nutrient rich meals that have been approved by a registered dietitian and prepared in kitchens or local restaurants.

Crafted from recipes mindful of salt, calories, sugars and fat, each dish provides at least one third of the recommended daily dietary allowances for seniors.

The process is simple: call by 9:30 a.m. the same day and make a reservation by telephone. Those that are home bound can choose to have the meals delivered straight to their door, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.

The suggested donation is $6 per meal, although no eligible older adult is ever denied food because of an inability or unwillingness to contribute. Participants are encouraged to give whatever they feel they can reasonably afford.

“Area IV Senior Nutrition provides more than a meal,” said executive director Marla Kiesz. “Our services offer access to nutritious food that supports health and independence, nutrition education that encourages healthy living, and opportunities for social interaction that help reduce isolation and improve overall well-being.”

Helping Elderly Residents Remain Independent

Area IV Senior Citizens Planning Council operates as a 501(c)3 non profit organization, created with the sole purpose to help elderly residents remain independent, stay in their own homes, and enrich their social lives to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It currently serves 25 towns in the region, including Faulkton, with funding that comes from a combination of federal, state, and local resources, including year-round fundraising efforts.

And it's the local resources that provide the vast majority of the money needed to operate the program.

“South Dakota's older adult population is growing, and many seniors face challenges that can make it difficult to consistently access healthy meals and remain socially connected. Factors such as fixed incomes, limited transportation, health concerns, and geographic isolation, particularly in rural communities, can increase the risk,” said Kiesz.

Good Food, Good Health, Great Life

The program doesn’t just stop with a nutritious meal. Along with the food comes nutrition education and opportunities for socialization, so that the entire program promotes good health and well-being.

“Recipients are encouraged to dine-in Monday through Friday and are often joined by other community members,” said board member Linda Bartholomew. “Every day the coffee pot is on in the morning for seniors who have their coffee clatch gatherings.”

“The socialization and a person's mental health is viewed to be just as important to those we serve as the nutritional value of the meal itself.” added Kiesz.

The program also provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week to 30-35 Faulk County Jail inmates, a complement to its broader mission of serving area seniors.

“Providing meals to the Faulk County Jail is a separate service that reflects our commitment to being a responsible community partner while also strengthening our organization's financial sustainability. Revenue generated through this contract helps support our overall operations, allowing us to make the most of our kitchen facilities, staff, and resources. In turn, this helps us continue delivering high-quality meal services to older adults across our service area,” said Kiesz. 

Volunteers Play a Huge Role

Area IV Senior Nutrition also relies heavily on a team of dedicated volunteers of all ages who keep everything humming.

This includes the board of directors and the local advisory councils, both of which serve on a voluntary basis. Meals are delivered by volunteers. Collectively, it’s a year-round effort that does not break for holidays, weekends, or summer vacation.

“Several organizations in Faulkton each take a month during the year and deliver the meals,” said Bartholomew. “One of the ‘perks’ is that the volunteer gets a free meal that day. Other volunteers come in on an as needed basis to help out if one of the staff members has to be gone. Also, during the school year, the special education students come down in the mornings and help with small chores under the supervision of their teacher.”

There’s also the option of purchasing meal tickets for someone, which remain active for one year from the date of issue and are refundable upon request.

You can also purchase a gift certificate on behalf of any senior or make donations, whether of your time or through funding, both of which are always welcome.

For more information about the food program, whether you’d like to sign up to volunteer, donate, or register for a tasty meal, call 605-229-4741 or click here.