Serving on the front line: Despite COVID-19, local nutrition center continues operation

NEW MADRID, Mo. - The smell of hot rolls fresh from the oven is still there. So are the friendly greetings when a senior appears at the door. But much has changed since coronavirus forced the New Madrid Oaks Nutrition Center to close its dining facilities.

Despite the changes, workers say their No. 1 goal continues to be ensuring local seniors have access to a nutritious meals. They have learned to adapt.

Lacie Jackson, a cook at the center, said before the COVID-19 concerns arrived last March, the Center, located at 925 Pinnell Ave., was open Monday through Friday. Approximately 25 to 30 seniors and others would gather around the Center’s tables for lunch and conversations.

On Thursday when the meal was followed by bingo or those days when they played trivia, complete with a “Jeopardy”-style question board, their numbers would nearly double. Also there were holiday parties and fundraisers to attend.

Most of all, Jackson said, they were a community.

“It was much more than a hot meal,” Jackson continued. “It was an opportunity to get out of the house, visit with their friends, a place to hang out.”

Now all meals are carry out. Jackson estimated some 50 to 60 hot meals are picked up from the center from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Each day features a different entree, vegetables and dessert. Recently, seniors dined on roasted turkey, potatoes with brown gravy, green beans, a hot roll and peach crunch while another day featured ham and beans along with tomatoes and zucchini, cornbread and fruit cocktail.

Always a favorite at the New Madrid Center is the meatloaf.

“We cook 15 to 20 pounds of beef on meatloaf day,” Jackson said with a laugh.

The secret, she explained, is the seasoning added by the local center’s director, Carolyn Farrenburg. “She is like a home cook. She is just really good,” Jackson explained.

Primarily for those 60 and older, the Nutrition Center serves everyone. For those 60 and ove, there is a suggested donation of $3 per meal, while those under 60 are asked to pay $6. Individuals on Medicaid are also welcomed with the meal’s cost covered by the Medicaid program.

Jackson said those interested in getting meals are asked to fill out a brief form the first time they come to the center.

In addition to the hot meals, the New Madrid Oaks Center also provides frozen box dinners delivered to those who are homebound. Currently the center delivers to 56 homes in the New Madrid, Lilbourn and Howardville area.

“We used to deliver them every week but since COVID we do them once ever two weeks to limit exposure,” she said.

Jackson said she enjoys her work.

“I like that we are doing something to benefit our senior citizens and we are helping them,” she said. “It’s not like a job, it is kind of like a family.”

Volunteer Madeline Eiceman agreed the staff and seniors are a family. Throughout the pandemic she has continued to donate her time to greet those arriving and hand them their meals.

“I like the people and I like the work,” Eiceman said. “It keeps me active.”

Sari Kersey, who serves as administrator for the New Madrid, Caruthersville and Portageville Oaks Nutrition Centers, considers the staff front-line heroes during the continued pandemic.

“I consider us essential,” she said. “We are here every day . . . in service to an age group that is vulnerable. We deliver to the seniors in their homes. We are up front with the people.”

The closure of the dining areas at the centers in the three communities has been difficult, Kersey said.

There is a financial toll for all three centers, she acknowledged. But more importantly, Kersey said she worries about the lack of social opportunities from the bingo games to the quilting groups to simply the opportunity to see a friendly face or get a helping hand to deal with a problem.

“We have noticed a lot of seniors passing away. Yes, some of it is from age. Some of it is from COVID,” she said. “But losing that pattern of socializing can be hard on their emotions, too. That lack of socializing can impact their health.”

With distribution of a vaccine beginning, Jackson and Kersey are anticipating the return of the congregate meals.

Jackson wants to plan a grand re-opening party for the seniors.

Kersey said she, like everybody in the world, is looking forward to the return to normalcy.

““We are not getting to see these seniors, who are our friends and we are worried about them,” Kersey said. “We will be glad when everyone is back here. We are bonded by love.”