When starting the “60+ Dine” program, Kathy Brennon was told to expect 20 participants within the first year. Five months in, the program has 172 participants and counting. “It shows us there is a tremendous need here in Allen County,” she said. “We’re very excited to be able to meet that need.”
As the Director of the SEK Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), Brennon spearheaded this initiative with the aim of providing not just nutritious meals but also fostering invaluable social connections among older adults, all made possible through community partnerships. From its beginnings in early September, with an enrollment of 78 individuals, the program quickly gained momentum.
The program is open to individuals over 60 years old with no income eligibility requirements. It is also open to spouses of participants or disabled adult children who live with participants. Operating five days a week during the lunch hour, the program serves as a vital hub for social interaction, emphasizing the importance of communal dining. “We believe that sharing a meal is about more than just nourishment; it’s about forging meaningful connections,” Brennon said.
Brennon recounted encounters with individuals who had long remained isolated. “To see their faces light up with excitement as they reconnected with others — it’s truly awesome,” she shared. “It’s exactly the purpose of the program.”
The genesis of the “60+ Dine” program stemmed from a deep-seated need within the community, with Brennon identifying a gap in services provided by SEKAAA. The organization already offered frozen meals for homebound individuals, but lacked a hot meal program. “There are kitchens in Coffeyville and Pittsburg that provide hot meals for Wilson, Montgomery, Labette, Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee counties collectively,” she said. “We didn’t offer that here in Allen County, though.” Drawing inspiration from these other successful models, she crafted a program tailored to Allen County.
THE PROGRAM is currently available at one location — Allen County Regional Hospital. “I looked at the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging,” noted Brennon. “They partner with a hospital and I wanted to model this program off of that.” She reached out to both Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, as well as Allen County Regional Hospital. Both were considered before Allen County ultimately became the designated location. “This is the only one we have right now,” she added. “Hopefully we get some other businesses involved and each one will be negotiated uniquely.”
Between 400 to 600 meals are provided each month by Allen County Regional Hospital. The meals are dietitian-certified and follow Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services nutritional guidelines. All participants are asked to donate $4 per meal, though no one is denied a meal if they are unable to donate. Meals are funded by the Older Americans Act and donations.
“If they don’t want to make that donation, they don’t have to,” Brennon clarified. “We have contracted with the site and we pay them per meal so we do have to worry about sustainability. People have been really good about donating.”
Participants must sign a form annually and are given a card to take to the 60+ Dine location. Each month, participants tell the 60+ Dine coordinator how many meals they would like loaded on their card. This can be done in person, on the phone, or by mail. There is a maximum of 16 meals per month. “We deliver the frozen meals four days a week in other places, so that makes it comparable,” said Brennon. “We wanted to keep the services equal.”
The hope is to expand this program to other areas. Brennon’s wish is to duplicate the program in Woodson and Neosho counties, but wants to see the financial impact in Allen County first. “We definitely need donations,” she said. “Our nutrition program, altogether, is underfunded.”
For those eager to join this initiative, signing up is just a phone call away. Interested individuals, or those who would like to donate, can reach out to SEKAAA’s 60+ Dine Coordinator, Jerri Krokstrom, at (620) 431-2980.
