In 2004, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) launched the Community Expansion of Nutrition Assistance (CENA) program. Since then, this state-funded program has served seniors (age 60 and older) nutritious meals at senior and community centers, in addition to home-delivered meals to those in need. The program also helps expand other services provided at senior centers for Oklahoma residents.
In 2018, more than 23,000 seniors were assisted through CENA. More than 300 senior centers across Oklahoma received funds to assist with senior care.
“CENA funds provide meals for approximately 36 seniors each day, at [the Tri-County Senior Center] Monday through Friday” said Beverly Bixby, Director of Tri-County Senior Citizen’s Inc.
The Rush Springs Senior Citizen Center, Asst. Supervisor James Cook said “CENA funds provide meals for approximately 70 seniors a day Monday through Friday including 16-17 home delivery meals.”
Through this program, rural communities across Oklahoma have made improvements to their senior citizens’ health and well-being. Commerce partners with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to distribute CENA funding.
To find out which AAA is serving your community visit: oarcok.org/aging
