By Mike Hazlip–
The California program helping struggling restaurants and seniors shut-in by COVID-19 restrictions will be in place until July 10, after FEMA officials approved a funding extension last week.
The Great Plates Delivered program uses state and federal emergency funds to pay local restaurants up to $66 per day per senior, for three meals to be delivered to qualifying seniors each day. The meals must be low sodium and include a fresh fruit or vegetable, according to state guidelines.
The city announced on social media Wednesday that an average of 3,591 meals are being delivered each week to seniors in Citrus Heights.
The City Council on Thursday approved extending contracts for Beach Hut Deli, Boston’s Pizza, Ciro’s Pizza, Dos Coyotes, Nor Cal Subs, and R Vida Cantina in anticipation of the program being extended.
FEMA is providing 75% of the funds, with CalOES providing 18.75%. The remaining 6.25% is matched by local funds.
There are still openings in the program, and the city is asking anyone in the community who is a senior, or who knows a senior to see if they qualify. The city is also looking for more local restaurants to add to the program.
Additional information and application forms are available online at citrusheights.net.
