At 11 a.m. on January 16, the kitchen on the second floor of the Koreatown Senior & Community Center suddenly bustles with activity.
Carts carrying food for 200 people arrive one after another.
A staff member approaches, checks the packaging, and then uses a thermometer to check the temperature of each item.
“Milk and juices need to be 37 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and main dishes need to be 180 degrees,” says Janet Flores, Director of Nutrition at St. Barnabas Senior Services (SBSS). “If it’s not cold enough or hot enough, we can’t serve it,” she added.
SBSS, a subcontractor of the Los Angeles Department of Aging, is responsible for preparing the lunch menus, delivering, packaging, distributing, and directing.
On this day, six SBSS employees arrived at 9:30 a.m. to set up, while senior center volunteers and board members offered their help.
SBSS CEO Darlene Kiyan said, “It’s the first day, so we’re excited, and we hope to work well with the senior center in the future.”
At 11:43 a.m., the serving of food began. The warm aluminum lunch boxes were opened to reveal the main course: meat-stuffed bell peppers.
The plastic bag contained a romaine salad in a disposable bowl with Italian dressing, low-fat milk, 100% freshly squeezed orange juice, whole wheat bread, and an apple.
After receiving their food, the seniors headed to Da Wool Jung, where tables were set up, to enjoy their meal. “Originally located in Mid-City, the meal program has now moved to Koreatown, near my home, which makes me happy. It’s a free meal and it tastes good,” said Mari Sisun, 73, a Filipino resident.
On the other hand, the lack of a Korean menu remains a challenge.
“They told me to come early, so I waited for over an hour in the sun,” said 82-year-old Jungja Lim, adding, “It would’ve been nice if they served Korean foods as well. I think it’s hard for Korean seniors to find something to their taste.”
By 12:30 p.m., the line had shortened. “On the first day, a total of 165 people received lunch boxes,” said Kwan-il Park, director of the Senior Center.
200 free lunch boxes will be provided daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Those who fill out an application form on-site will receive a scanner, which they can use each time to claim their lunch.
“We are grateful to the many people who help in various ways to provide meals for seniors,” said Yong Sin Shin, who leads the Senior Center. “We also suggested introducing a Korean menu, but the Department of Aging was reluctant, citing budgetary issues. However, we will continue to discuss it without giving up.”
BY SUAH JANG, JUNHAN PARK [park.junhan@koreadaily.com]
