Agency exists to serve seniors

Over the years, there has been lots of advice concerning proper nutrition. We were told to avoid fat, eliminate sugar and cut back on carbohydrates. Today the consensus is to eat as many servings of fruits and vegetables
as possible.
This sounds easy, and many grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts emphasize the quality of their produce. However, an increasingly popular way to purchase fresh local fruits and vegetables is to attend Farmers’ Markets, events at which local farmers sell their fruits and vegetables directly to consumers.
Former New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman writes that this choice is a big advantage because the produce is of superior quality due to being grown on nearby farms, avoiding delays in warehouses and shipping.
Although there are many farmers markets held throughout the Bay Area, South County residents are fortunate to have two unique Senior Produce Markets available to them:
Centennial Recreation Center, 171 West Edmundson St., Morgan Hill, open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.
Gilroy Mt. Madonna YMCA, 77371 Hanna St., Gilroy, open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.
These events are sponsored by Episcopal Senior Communities, a nonprofit, nondenominational social agency that provides a multitude of services to Bay Area elders.
Their 22 Senior Produce Markets provide fresh fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices; for the past 10 years they have enlisted more than 350 volunteers to keep prices low. Perishable leftover produce is donated to other nonprofits to serve additional seniors and others in need.
The reactions of shoppers have been positive ranging from “Thank you for a market where I can buy one stalk of celery” to “It’s a real opportunity to see and visit with lots of people.”
ESC supports seniors in many other ways, such as these innova-
tive programs:
Senior Center Without Walls builds friendships and community 365 days a year by offering telephone activities, friendly conversation, classes and support groups to older adults who have difficulty participating in events in their local communities. Some examples are writing workshops, sing-alongs, meditation, health presentations, low vision support and brain aerobics.
ElderWise (Working in Service to Elders) alleviates depression and loneliness among the elderly by matching trained volunteers with lonely seniors. Provided in eight languages, this program guarantees at least two personal visits per month.
Shared Housing is a program piloted in Marin County. It matches homeowners with home-seekers in exchange for reduced rent or an exchange of services.
Six continuing care retirement communities are operated for 1,500 senior residents. The nearest are Los Gatos Meadows in Santa Clara County and Canterbury Woods in Monterey County.
Last year, this relatively unknown tax exempt nonprofit public benefit corporation committed a total of $3.5 million to provide life-changing support for seniors in 37 counties across California, making a difference in the lives of 15,000 seniors.
For more information about ESC call (925) 956-7400 or go to jtm.esc.org.