SERVICES FOR THOSE IN THE BEST YEARS: JACKSON NUTRITION CENTER

The Cape Girardeau Nutrition Center works to promote the wellbeing of people 60 and older through meals and companionship.

The agency's primary service is providing congregation and home-delivered meals.

But the center also serves as a social hub for participants.

"It is not just a place to get a midday meal; nor is it a program just for low-income adults," said Director Jo Nelle Lingo. "Certainly, we serve nutritious and tasty meals, but it is more than that.

"It is a place to gather for all senior citizens seeking support and fellowship while able to help themselves."

Besides meals and companionship, the center offers supportive services keyed to health and welfare, nutritional education and transportation. Recreational activities include crafts, bingo, card playing, exercises, magazines, jigsaw puzzles and television.

Created by the Older Americans Act of 1965, the only requirement for participants is to be 60 years old or older.

"The agency could not operate without volunteers," said Lingo. "And we could always use more."

For more information call 335-1352.