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OMI Food Network

OMI Food Networking Program

The Community Living Campaign started organizing support networks for neighborhood seniors in the OMI, with the help of a neighborhood resident, Deloris McGee. From her long time community work and the more recent efforts to develop support networks, she has become more and more involved in trying to figure out how to break down the barriers of isolation and loneliness that many of the neighborhood residents feel and find ways that people can provide practical support and help to one-another.

The development of a local food distribution program is an ideal way to begin, as many seniors are unable to benefit from local food programs because they are unable to wait in line or carry the boxes home, yet need help to assure better nutrition.

Community Need

  • A large number of seniors, disproportionately women, are living alone.
  • Many have families, but housing prices have forced them to live outside the City and even the state.
  • Many seniors don’t drive any more, but have trouble walking up and down the hills in their neighborhood.
  • Many also live upstairs and find it difficult to go anywhere without assistance and a ride.
  • Neighborhood seniors have a range of incomes, but a history of independence and pride makes it difficult to ask for help.
  • Many seniors need help and are willing to accept help, but there income is too high for many programs, but too low to be able to pay for services themselves.
  • Many seniors cannot access food distribution programs because they cannot stand in line or carry their food boxes up the stairs.

Opportunities

  • Many retired seniors have time on their hands and are willing to help.
  • Many neighborhood residents have known each other since their children were young.
  • Many residents are retired professionals who have a range of skills and are able to help in many ways.
  • Large denominational churches are running food and other programs and are looking for more neighborhood participation.
  • While these sites are not able to do food deliveries, they would gladly support a local effort to do such.

The Goal

To establish a neighborhood-based food delivery program that will:

  • Expand the reach of the existing neighborhood food programs
  • Provide a regular contact for seniors who are now isolated and alone
  • Increase outreach and participation in neighborhood events and activities
  • Give neighborhood residents young and old a way to contribute and give back to their community.
  • To expand the support networks for neighborhood seniors.

For more information, contact Deloris 650.201.6557 or email deemcgee@comcast.net.
Read or download our recent OMI News here

A special thanks to Temple United Methodist Church, the San Francisco Food Bank and the Department of Aging and Adult Services for their support.