Senior Friendship Centers distribute meals to homebound seniors across SWFL

Making sure seniors don’t go hungry during the COID-19 pandemic, the Senior Friendship Centers are working to give out food to those in need Saturday morning.

All of the emergency food bags will head right for homebound seniors. These are people who can’t leave their homes either because of medical issues, the threat of the virus, or now, often, both.

These folks say they wish they didn’t need your help, but they really, really do.

“You know, nobody wants to be in this position, and at the same time, you don’t want to feel like you’re annoying people…with your neediness,” said Elaine Rice who receives meals. “If you can help, help, because I would like to be able to help and I cannot do that. So if you have the energy and the strength to do this, do it.”

In addition to health concerns, most of these folks struggle financially too.

The Senior Friendship Centers are donating nutritious, home-delivered meals for people aged 60+ In Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto and Lee counties.

Even with all the food they currently have, it’s only a fraction of what homebound seniors in our community need. That’s why organizers are asking for your support.

The folks that receive this help say it’s about so much more than just the food.

“Because I live alone, and there’s not too many people that call you and talk to you, so you feel all alone in the world,” Rice said. “So just having someone knock on the door, that is a great, great situation. There’s a lot of people like myself…a lot of people like myself.”

You can imagine it wasn’t easy for Rice to talk about her situation but she offered to do so in the hope that people will help support this group.

To donate, please call 239-236-8680. Senior Friendship Centers are also holding an online food drive in collaboration with You Give Goods. To help out, click here and search “Senior Friendship Centers.”

For more information or to sign up, click here or please call the number for your county listed below:

• Sarasota County — 941-556-3208
• DeSoto/Charlotte counties — 941-225-0723
• Lee County — 239-236-8684

NOTE: All hotlines are manned by bilingual staff.