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Tag: Great Plates Delivered

  • COVID Relief: Restaurant stimulus has injected over $1.1M into Citrus Heights economy

    Meals prepared by R Vida Cantina in Citrus Heights are among those being sent to seniors as part of the Great Plates Delivered program. // Image credit: R Vida Cantina

    Sentinel staff report–
    The “Great Plates Delivered” program, which has been providing federal and state funds to local restaurants who deliver free meals to seniors and at-risk individuals, has now brought more than $1 million to the local economy.

    City Manager Chris Boyd announced the news during Thursday night’s council meeting when he told council members the city-administered program has provided more than 3,700 meals a week, with a total of more than 52,000 meals delivered since launching in May.

    “We’ve really been able to help a lot of seniors,” Boyd said. “We’ve invested to date a little over $1.1 million dollars into our local economy, directly to those restaurants feeding those seniors,” the city manager said.

    When the program launched in May, the city’s economic development manager said the effort would be “infusing $1 million a month into our local economy.” While that monthly figure never materialized, the program has surpassed a combined total of one million dollars after four months.

    The Great Plates program uses state and federal emergency funds to pay for up to three meals to be delivered to qualifying seniors and certain other at-risk individuals each day. The meals must be low sodium, and include a fresh fruit or vegetable, according to state guidelines.

    FEMA is providing 75% of the funds, with CalOES providing 18.75%. The remaining 6.25% is matched by local funds.

    As reported by The Sentinel last month, the program is being administered in various other cities and has been largely successful in providing meals, while keeping restaurant employees working. However, some news outlets have reported problems with seniors who haven’t received the amount of meals, or the quality they were promised.

    The program has already reached its capacity for seniors to apply, but restaurants are still invited to sign up to benefit from the program. The Great Plates Delivered initiative allows for restaurants to receive up to $66 per person for three daily meals, including delivery.

    The program was recently extended to continue through October 9.

  • New $1M meal program in Citrus Heights to help seniors, local restaurants

    File photo, a salad from Dos Coyotes Border Cafe. The restaurant could be among participating local restaurants in a new Great Plates Delivered program.

    By Mike Hazlip–
    The City of Citrus Heights announced Monday that the city will participate in a plan to deliver up to three free meals a day from local restaurants to qualifying seniors during shelter-at-home orders. The new program is part of California’s Great Plates Delivered meal initiative and will be locally administered. 

    “Our City staff remain committed to the health and safety of our residents, especially our at-risk population,” City Manager Chris Boyd said in Monday’s announcement. The city hopes to serve 500 seniors up to three meals a day, utilizing nearly $1 million in federal assistance over the next 30 days.

    “We are infusing $1 million a month into our local economy,” Meghan Huber, the city’s economic development manager, told Auburn Boulevard business owners during a meeting this week where she announced the program.

    According to a May 11 news release, the city said Citrus Heights residents age 65 and older with a yearly income less than $74,940, or just over $100,000 for two-person households, can apply for the program. Additionally, residents between ages 60 and 64 who have been diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, and other adults considered high risk by the Centers for Disease Control, are eligible for the service. 

    The program is not available to those already on other state or federal nutrition programs, such as CalFresh or Meals on Wheels.

    In addition to helping residents of Citrus Heights, the plan will provide struggling restaurants with a boost in orders. The city estimates restaurants can make up to $13,000 a week by enrolling in the program.

    The city is looking to recruit 20 restaurants and caterers who can serve 50 seniors each day. As of Tuesday, city spokeswoman Nichole Baxter told the Sentinel 47 seniors and six restaurants had already enrolled while indicating more restaurants are being evaluated.

    The Great Plates Delivered initiative allows for up to $66 to be spent for three daily meals, including delivery.

    A frequently asked questions page on the city’s website says dietary needs will be considered when preparing meals. The Governor’s guidelines for the program specify that meals provided will be low in sodium with a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable on each dish. Sugary drinks are not allowed in the plan.

    A program summary provided by the State of California says reimbursement to cities participating in the “Great Plates” program will come from FEMA, and the State of California. The local cost share will be 6.25 percent according to the summary.

    The city is asking residents and restaurants to register online at CitrusHeights.net/GreatPlates. The program is scheduled to run through June 10, but could be extended. 

    Gov. Newsom first announced the Great Plates program last month, calling the program the first in the nation. Other cities throughout the state are participating, including Sacramento.