When Encore Senior Center opened its doors in 1977 in the basement of St. Malachy’s chapel in the heart of Times Square, Sister Lillian and Sister Elizabeth could not have imagined how the seed of their good intentions would grow. A member of the Food Bank’s food assistance program network, the soup kitchen and homebound delivery service now provides more than 169,000 meals a year. Currently operating above capacity, scaling back or slowing down is not on anyone’s mind, despite of the challenging economy.

This spring, Encore will expand their homebound program to pick up districts affected by other senior center closings that have not survived the lack of resources and higher demand. The staff and volunteers at Encore have already risen to the challenge. Serving more than 400 meals a day, Encore works closely with a nutritionist to follow the Department for the Aging regulations to ensure healthy eating standards. Often, seniors receive their only full daily meal from programs like Encore, so a balanced meal is of the utmost importance.

In addition to meals, Encore addresses the need for independence and community-building with activities like movie screenings, yoga classes and dances. “You don’t have to be a recluse,” shares Bob, a regular attendee. “You can meet people and talk to people.” Bob is not alone, with almost one in every six seniors in New York City relying on soup kitchens and food pantries. Encore Senior Center represents one of approximately 70 senior centers that the Food Bank partners with citywide.

Originally featured in Food For Thought Spring 2009 Spring 2009, the Food Bank’s print newsletter.