The Northside Nutrition Center reflected on and celebrated 50 years of service to the community last Friday. Originally starting on Garfield Street in 1974, the center now operates out of the Twin Towers on Hazel.
Administrator Chirs Kellums and Assistant Administrator Linda Sedrick explained the center has had to evolve and adapt over the years.
“When we started, it was all volunteers,” Sedrick said.
They provide a free meal five days a week in addition to delivering food to 350-400 seniors unable to leave their homes.
“It’s an opportunity for us to serve our community,” Kellums emphasized. “It’s a vital service to our senior citizens.”
Both individuals noted the services they provide go beyond simple nutrition.
“It’s a great place for fellowship,” Kellums said about the meal at the cafeteria.
Sedrick added it is the only time in some senior’s week they can socialize and get out of the house. For the meal deliveries, the visits provide an opportunity to check on the welfare of those still in the home.
Sedrick explained this allows for many seniors to stay in their own houses instead of a nursing home.
“They love their homes. They don’t want to be sent somewhere,” she affirmed.
“It’s lonesome,” senior Julia Morey said. “We come here to find people to talk to.”
She added she has been coming to Northside for 13 years. Over time, a group of four friends formed, and they share meals at the nutrition center every day they’re available.
“We’re always talking. It’s friendship,” Morey recalled.
Friend Betty Montgomery agreed one of the most important services the center provides is an opportunity for community.
“We love visiting with our friends,” Montgomery said.
Both Morey and Montgomery used to volunteer as servers at Northside. Peggy Beck said the food helps her to stay healthy.
“It’s a balanced diet,” she affirmed.
“What they do serve is pretty good,” Morey agreed.
Marcia Holden added she always looks forward to the coffee. All four said the fried fish is their favorite meal.
Kellums said groups of friends like these four are a large part of what they hope to foster.
“It’s fellowship,” he stated.
Though Northside Nutrition has been a local fixture for 50 years, both Sedrick and Kellums said funding and costs have forced cutbacks.
“The price of food is astronomical,” Sedrick said.
“Some things have tripled in price,” Kellums clarified.
In concert with the rising cost of food, Sedrick said fewer people have the time and money to do things for free or at low wages.
“It’s extremely hard to get volunteers now,” she recounted.
Despite the challenges, Kellums applauded the efforts of long-time employees and volunteers. He said some drivers have 35-40 mile routes with over 100 stops.
“Rain, sleet, or shine, we’re going to try to run,” Kellums asserted.
Sedrick said, for some seniors, the delivered meals are all they have and the only people they see. Both expressed that, while the money is tight, the experience of working for and volunteering with the nutrition center is rewarding.
“If you’ve got a heart, this will touch it,” Sedrick affirmed.
High school seniors from the Mark Twain School also volunteer as part of a partnership between the school and the nutrition center. The students receive an elective credit, and students interviewed said the value of the experience extends beyond that.
“It helps us be better people,” one senior noted. This was her second year volunteering, and she intended to keep coming back to help at the nutrition center after graduation. “I feel happy they get to have a nice good meal. Some of these people don’t have that support.”
“I love helping people out,” another girl affirmed.
Sedrick described a strong need for more people willing to give their time, “We’d love to have them as joyful givers.”
She shared there are also one-time and repeating sponsorship opportunities where donors can help pay for more seniors to receive meals in their homes.
“It’s all about being able to show the love and compassion,” Kellums stated.
Proud of the five decades of service to the senior community, the Northside Nutrition Center hopes to remain a reliable partner in caring for the elderly well into the future.
“I love what I do because it’s helping people,” Sedrick concluded.
Those interested in volunteering or inquiring about sponsorship opportunities can contact the nutrition center at 573-686-2075.