MEETING DATE: April 19, 2016

PREPARED BY: Christie Goodsell Senior Center Manager

INTERIM DEPT. DIRECTOR: Jim O’Grady

DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation

SUBJECT: SENIOR BREAD AND PASTRY DONATION PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION: Senior Citizen Commission review and provide recommendation to staff regarding the petition to reinstate the Bread and Pastry Donation Program at the Encinitas Senior Center Nutrition Program. STRATEGIC PLAN: This relates to the Recreation Focus Area of the Strategic Plan, promoting active lifestyles and community health by furthering access to trails, parks, beaches and other recreational opportunities. FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are no fiscal impacts associated with this report. BACKGROUND: Nutrition Program Overview The City of Encinitas Senior Nutrition program began in February 2002 when the Encinitas Community and Senior Center opened its doors. The program has continued without pause to the present. Attendance has fluctuated over the years, ranging from approximately 25 participants daily to as many as 90 on special party days.

The program has three primary funding sources: The County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services (AIS), the City of Encinitas General Fund and Senior Meal donations.

The City of Encinitas has a contract with the County of San Diego Aging and Independence Services to provide meals to seniors. Per AIS guidelines, meals must contain at least one-third of the current daily, recommended dietary allowance as established by the Food and Nutrition Board, National Academy of Sciences, and complies with the most current dietary guidelines for Americans established by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Senior Citizen Commission

Agenda Item 9C

“AIS will be publishing new guidelines on donated food items encouraging less sugar. Managers should concentrate on bread, rolls and no added sugar items such as smaller fruit pastries and/ or served less often”. -Wendy Shigenaga, RD AIS Nutrition Consultant. The Bread and Pastry Donation program is independent from the Senior Nutrition Program, but is conducted during the lunch hour for the lunch guests. Catering Services From 2002 until September 30, 2015, the City of Vista was the senior meal provider for the Encinitas Senior Nutrition Program. The City of Vista notified the City of Encinitas that it was discontinuing catering services. Encinitas solicited a Request for Proposals for a new caterer. The contract was awarded to Kitchens for Good (KFG). The contract with KFG began in October 2015 to the present. KFG’s mission is to break the cycle of food waste, poverty, and hunger through innovative programs in workforce training, healthy food production, and social enterprise. Whenever possible, daily lunches are prepared fresh from scratch using local organic produce. The promotion of the Bread and Pastry Program does not coincide with the message of providing healthy yet great tasting food delivered by KFG. Bread and Pastry Donation Program Evolution

As a supplement to the Senior Nutrition Program, the Encinitas Senior Center operated a Bread and Pastry Donation Program since 2002. This program was inherited from the former Encinitas Senior Center, administered by Family Services Association. Volunteers were assigned to grocery stores and Garden State Bagels, Monday-Friday to pick up bread and pastries, which were then distributed, to lunch guests at the end of the lunch program daily. Initially, bread and pastries were offered to all senior patrons at the Encinitas Senior Center. However, some patrons became aggressive during distribution and non-seniors were also taking the food items. Due to these challenges, the program was offered in the banquet hall to only those that attended the lunch program. Non-lunch guests were referred to the Community Resource Center for food donations.

Program Philosophy/Mission The City of Encinitas, County of San Diego Aging & Independence Service, and Kitchens for Good, collectively promote health and wellness as a way of life though responsible programming and good nutrition. The City of Encinitas developed a strategic plan that includes a Vision, Mission, Operating Principles, Strategic Focus Areas and Key Goals. An identified vital area of focus for Recreation is to promote active lifestyles and community health by furthering access to trails, parks, beaches and other recreational opportunities. It is the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department to promote physical well-being, active lifestyles and community health. The Department is also a Live Well, County of San Diego Partner committed to promoting health, safety and thriving activities. The Department agrees to promote programs or policies that encourage people to improve their lives in the areas of physical activities and nutrition. The Encinitas Senior Center is under the umbrella of the Parks & Recreation Department and therefore aligns itself with the Department’s core goals and values. The New Day New Way operating principles and responsible healthy programming became realty at the Senior Center particularly with the help of Kitchens for Good. The purpose of the Senior Center is to provide a gathering place to socialize, stay active, healthy and connect with others with similar interests.

Senior Citizen Commissioner Feedback The Encinitas Senior Commission developed a 2015-16 Work Plan that includes remaining informed, educated and aware of senior issues and needs. They attended the lunch program, talked to the guests, and shared feedback. From their observations, at least two Commission members reported that the bread and pastry program is not healthy for the lunch guests and it was recommended staff discontinue it. ANALYSIS: With the start of 2016, the Senior Center now effectively promotes a farm to table dining experience, Monday through Friday, at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center’s newly renamed Encinitas Parks & Recreation Café, home of the Senior Nutrition Program. Intended for baby boomers and seniors of the veteran era alike, it’s a new day and new way of enjoying lunch @the center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, with colleagues and friends! The City of Encinitas Senior Center is excited to work with Kitchens for Good, the new senior nutrition program provider as of October 1, 2015. Kitchens for Good is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower, nourish and engage the community through healthy meal production, workforce development and social enterprise. Meals are not only fresh and delicious, but also made from scratch daily with irresistible choice entrees using local organic produce and filled with nutritious ingredients. Suggested daily meal donation is $4 for Seniors 60+ with a $6 cost per meal for ages under 60. Reservations are required and can be made up until 8:00 a.m. of the day you would like to have lunch, by calling (760) 943-2258. Check-in for lunch by 11:30am. Program Updates The Senior Lunch program underwent changes to modernize the dining room ambiance with an urban flair along with new table settings and centerpieces. The menu was transformed by a “make-over” to better market the quality, nutritious food being served. Finally, the bread is now being displayed in attractive baskets that give the appearance of a bakery, and the single serving sweets are displayed on elegant dessert platters. The new caterer, coupled with the rebranding efforts, has led to an increase in lunch participation levels. From April 2015 to September 2015, the average monthly meal count was 824. From October 2015 to March 2016, the average monthly meal count increased to 906. (Past Statistics: FY 11/12 Average 723 per month; FY 12/13 Average 760 per month; FY 13/14 Average 753 per month) Food Safety It is the responsibility of the Encinitas Senior Center to provide healthy, fresh foods to its patrons via the Senior Nutrition Program. The donated food items of breads and pastries are not always up to standard regarding freshness, quality, and condition. The Nutrition Coordinators began conversations with the volunteers and lunch guests the week of February 7, 2016 to let them know there would be changes to the pastry donation program beginning on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. The Coordinators received feedback during this time from the lunch patrons, mostly in favor of keeping the program the way it was. Alteration of Bread and Pastry Donation Program The approach to eliminate the sweets and pastries was upsetting to some lunch patrons. Staff received calls and listened to what the concerns were. Some patrons shared concern that they wanted to have sweets at the end of their meal with a cup of coffee and talk with friends, or that

some seniors simply could not afford to buy pastries and looked forward to receiving free pastries at the Center. Staff in turn shared that the goal of the lunch program is indeed to provide socialization opportunities while providing a healthy meal. With the feedback received, it was determined that the program could limit bread distribution to the nutrition clients to take home, coupled with single servings of donated sweets during the lunch hour, for in-house consumption only. (Please note, the Health Department recently observed the single servings in the banquet hall and stated that a sneeze guard is required. Staff is currently researching food shields in order to be in compliance.) Petition Received The City Clerk’s office received a “petition to bring back pastries” on March 15, 2016 (Attachment 1.) As stated in the petition, attendees of the Encinitas Senior Center are petitioning the administration to bring back the pastries as part of the lunch program. Nutrition Site Council Review A component of the Senior Nutrition Program is a six member Nutrition Site Council. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Nutrition Coordinators on matters relating to the provision of nutrition. They provide feedback, offer suggestions, and advice regarding nutrition services. The meetings are held the 2nd Friday of every other month at 9:30am. Of the six members, four have stated they are in favor of the original bread and pastry program, one is against it, and one could not be reached for comment. Senior Commission Participation Staff is soliciting feedback from the Senior Citizen Commission 1) to identify effective means that patrons can be engaged in order to provide program feedback and, 2) provide a recommendation for best practice when delivering the Senior Center Nutrition Lunch Program and the level of donated breads and sweets that should be provided to lunch patrons. The formation of an Ad Hoc Sub Committee may be beneficial in fulfilling this agenda item.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: The action considered by the Senior Citizen Commission is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines. The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Lunch Menu Attachment 2: Senior Lunch Program Petition Attachment 3: PowerPoint Presentation

K I TCH ENS f o r GOOD

featuring...

The City of Encinitas is proud to introduce Kitchens for Good, a non-profit healthy

meal production organization breaking the cycles of food waste, poverty, and hunger

using innovations & social enterprise. Daily lunches are fresh and delicious for that

perfect farm to table dining experience. These irresistible meals are prepared daily from

scratch, using local organic produce whenever possible. We welcome people of all ages

to make a reservation for a healthy meal and great comradery while at the Encinitas

Parks & Recreation Café.

For reservations, please call (760) 943-2258 no later than 8am the day you wish

to have lunch with us!

“We look forward to serving you!”“We look forward to serving you!”“We look forward to serving you!”

Nourish the Community ● Sustainability

Collaboration ● Equality ● Innovation

KITCHENS for GOOD CORE VALUES

featuring...

Delicious farm-to-table food served M-F

at the Encinitas Community & Senior

Center’s Parks and Recreation Café.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Enjoy!

May 2016

Attachment 1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

2 **MAIN: Sweet & Sour Chicken, White Rice, Sautéed Peppers and Onions,

Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Salad: Cream of Chicken Soup, Egg Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Fresh Banana

3 *MAIN: Beef Stew w/ Potatoes, Celery & Carrots, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Sandwich: Roasted Vegetable Soup, Chicken Salad on Whole Grain Wrap Dessert: Mixed Fruit & Berries

4 **MAIN: Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Mixed Vegetables, Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Sandwich: Creamy Tomato Soup, Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Dessert: Fresh Red Apple

5 *MAIN: Chicken a la King, Jasmine Rice, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Navel Orange

6 MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH *MAIN: Tuna Patties, Jasmine Rice, & Creamed Corn, Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Salad: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Tuna Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Apple Crisp

9 *MAIN: Roasted Chicken, White Rice, Roasted Mixed Vegetables, Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Salad: Cream of Potato Soup, Pasta Salad Dessert: Fresh Red Apple

10 HOT FUDGE SUNDAE PARTY **MAIN: Swiss Steak, Jasmine Rice,

Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions, Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Sandwich: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Turkey Sandwich on Multi Grain Bread Dessert: Apple Crisp

11 *MAIN: Pork Cutlets, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Corn Chowder, Egg Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Fresh Banana

12 *MAIN: Fettuccini Alfredo, Roasted

Vegetables, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Vegetable Soup, Chicken Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Mixed Fruit & Berries

13 *MAIN: Lemon Baked Tilapia, White Rice, Peas, Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Salad: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Tuna Salad Mixed Greens Dessert: Diced Fruit

16 **MAIN: Sweet & Sour Pork, White Rice, Buttered Corn, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Sandwich: Corn Chowder, Roasted Beet Wrap in a Whole Wheat Tortilla Dessert: Navel Orange

17 *MAIN: Chicken Cacciatore, Buttered Noodles, Corn, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Sandwich: Chicken Noodle Soup, Roasted Vegetable Wrap on Whole Grain Tortilla Dessert: Apple Crisp

18 BINGO *MAIN: Beef & Noodle, Roasted Cauli-flower, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Sandwich: Lentil Soup, Turkey & Cheese Sandwich on Whole Wheat Dessert: Fresh Banana

19 *MAIN: Baked Chicken, Buttered

Noodles, Sautéed Mushrooms, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Minestrone Soup, Chef Salad w/ Turkey, Egg, & Blue Cheese Dessert: Mixed Fruit & Berries

20 *MAIN: Lemon Butter Salmon, White Rice, Roasted Zucchini, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Onion Soup, Tuna Pasta Salad Dessert: Diced Fruit

23 **MAIN: Hungarian Goulash, Brown Rice, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Lentil Soup, Salmon Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Fresh Red Apple

24 *MAIN: Cashew Chicken w/ Buttered Peas, White Rice, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Broccoli Soup, Apple & Broccoli Salad w/ Mixed Greens Dessert: Fresh Banana

25 *MAIN: Ranch Chicken, Roasted

Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Chicken & Rice Soup, Egg Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Apple Crostata

26 *MAIN: Beef Patties, Roasted Potatoes & Mushrooms, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Salad: Beef & Barely Soup, Tuna Salad on Mixed Greens Dessert: Navel Orange

27 *MAIN: Salmon Patties, Mashed

Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, Salad, Roll

**Or Soup/Salad: Creamy Potato Soup, Tortellini Salad Dessert: Mixed Fruit & Berries

30

Closed for Memorial Day

31 *MAIN: Chicken Parmesan, Noodles,

Sautéed Cabbage, Salad, Roll

*Or Soup/Sandwich: Chicken Noodle Soup, Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Dessert: Fresh Red Apple

FOR RESERVATIONS OR CANCELLATIONS

call before 8:00 AM, 760-943-2258 Suggested Donation: 60+ $4.00

Fee: Under 60 $6.00 Check in by 11:30 AM

Lunch Served at 11:40 AM Choose the main meal OR the soup/salad/sandwich ~ Dessert is served with all lunch

*Sodium Meals: 300-500mg **More than 500mg

The Encinitas Parks and Recreation Café is supported by the Older Americans Act Grant Funds, awarded through the County Aging & Independent Services and supported by the City of Encinitas and general meal donations. No eligible person shall be denied a meal because of failure or inability to contribute.

WELCOME!

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

Attachment 2

Attachment 2

Attachment 2

City of Encinitas Senior Center Senior Nutrition Lunch &

Bread and Pastry Donation Programs

Attachment 3

Nutrition Program Overview

Program began in February 2002.

Three primary funding sources:

County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services(AIS), City of Encinitas General Fund, Senior meal donations.

Contract with the County of San Diego Aging and Independence Services.

Attachment 3

Meal Catering Services

Kitchens for Good Meals prepared fresh,

from scratch, using local organic produce.

Attachment 3

Bread and Pastry Donation Program Evolution

Program began in 2002

Donations were originally

available to all seniors.

Due to challenges, the donations were limited to lunch guests only.

Attachment 3

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Collective approach to promote

health and wellness as a way of life.

Attachment 3

Farm~to~Table Dining at the Cafe

Home of the Senior Nutrition Program

Attachment 3

A Fresh Appearance Dining room ambiance

A menu “make-over.”

Attractive bread baskets

Single serving sweets on decorative platters

10% increase in lunch participation

Attachment 3

Bread and Pastry Donation Program Alterations

Program re-evaluation Feedback received Alternative provided

Petition received

Attachment 3

Senior Commission Participation

Questions, Comments & Discussion

Attachment 3