There’s an exciting new look and taste for meals served though the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) Nutrition programs, and SCES is inviting the community to give a try.

Catering for SCES Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals sites is now provided by City Fresh Foods, a Boston-based vendor that provides 2 million meals annually for schools, childcare, and older adult services across the Greater Boston Area.

City Fresh has provided Caribbean, Portuguese, vegetarian, and allergen-free dining options for SCES Meals on Wheels since 2016, and SCES Nutrition Director Meghan Ostrander is excited about expanding the partnership.

“City Fresh prides itself on providing great tasting and nutritious food,” said Ostrander.  “We have received a lot of positive feedback about them over the past couple of years and we think people are really going to like what they have to offer.”

SCES Nutrition programs served more than 20,000 meals per month last year, helping older adults maintain food security. Earlier this year, 72% of respondents to our annual Meals on Wheels consumer survey said the program provides their main meal of the day.

The programs also help stave off malnutrition, which is a common health risk for older adults. The menu for SCES meals programs are formulated to provide sufficient nutrients. In many cases, special dietary needs can also be accommodated.

SCES Nutrition programs have a special significance for SCES CEO Marta Corvelo: her father received Meals on Wheels through the program for years. The Nutrition catering contract was one of Corvelo’s first projects after joining the agency in May, and she’s very pleased with the outcome.

“Our team had a taste-test as part of the review process and we were very impressed,” said Corvelo. “In addition to the quality of the food, we are very happy to support a local and Black owned vendor.”

SCES Meals on Wheels are delivered Monday through Friday, and available at no cost for eligible older adults (age 60 and up). A $2 donation per meal is suggested for eligible participants. People who do not meet the eligibility requirements can receive meals for $8.25 per meal, $8.65 for special diets.

SCES Congregate Meals are provided on a regular schedule at the Cambridge and Somerville Senior Centers. Transportation is available with a reservation, by calling SCES. Meals are available at no cost of eligible older adults. A voluntary contribution of $3 is appreciated from eligible participants. Non-eligible participants may pay privately – $5 per meal. EBT (food stamp) cards may be used for all payments/donations.