TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file information regarding restoration of the senior meal program at Cesar E. Chavez and Silverado Parks. (Districts 1,7)
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND
On March 1, 2016, the City Council requested staff to prepare a report on the feasibility of restoring the senior meal program at Cesar E. Chavez and Silverado Parks, as well as transportation challenges for seniors. This report will provide statistics and costs related to restoration of the senior meal program and information on changes to the bus route.
In July 2005, the Human Services Association (HSA), a nonprofit organization under contract with the County of Los Angeles (County), began serving congregate meals for seniors at several Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) facilities. These facilities included McBride, Cesar E. Chavez, El Dorado West, Houghton, and Silverado Parks, and the Long Beach Senior Center on 4th Street. Prior to 2005, the City of Long Beach (City) worked with Volunteers of America to provide meals to various sites in Long Beach. When Volunteers of America closed their doors, the County asked HSA to pick up the Long Beach sites. HSA has had a contract with the County since the 1970s to provide congregate meal programs to other County areas.
In 2012, HSA notified PRM of its intent to eliminate the senior meal program at Cesar E. Chavez and Silverado Parks, beginning in June 2012. The decision to eliminate services came on the heels of funding reductions from the County that HSA anticipated for Fiscal Year 2013. At that time, the congregate meal program at Cesar E. Chavez and Silverado Parks, along with a site in the city of Lakewood, were chosen to be discontinued, primarily due to low attendance. Participation totals at the time these programs were discontinued are shown in the following table.
Human Services Association Congregate Meals - Long Beach Sites (Annual Meals Served)
Meals Served YTD
Site 2006 - 2007 2007 - ...
Click here for full text