STANTON : Program Offers Meals for Seniors

There aren’t that many places where you can get a lunch for $1.75, says Frances D’Amelia, 82, a senior citizen who takes advantage of the Seniors’ Meals Program provided by the city of Stanton.

For those seniors who want to watch their pocketbooks and get a balanced meal at the same time, the meals are available Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

In addition to meals, bingo is played on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Baked lasagna, garlic bread, seasoned fresh vegetables, green beans, corn, hamburger and milk are just a few of the offerings at the Cultural Arts Center at 7800 Katella Ave.

An estimated 35 to 125 senior citizens have been known to show up each day (except Fridays), said Jan Beeler, the administrative clerk for the city’s community services.

“Not all the senior citizens can afford meals, so that’s why we say it’s a suggested donation of $1.75,” Beeler said.

But the meal is only part of the bargain. At the meals program, senior citizens get a chance to meet each other and become friends so they don’t have to stay home alone.

“There are some good people here, we’re like a family,” said Lulu Garcia, 66, a former social worker from New York City. “Even the mayor (Sal Sapien) comes by to talk to us.”

Sometimes part of the group takes trips to Laughlin or Las Vegas--to try their luck at the wheel or slot machines.

“Those are the sort of outings we have together,” D’Amelia said.

Information: Stanton City Hall at 379-9222.