New program provides fresh local produce for senior citizens

By Amber Luckett, WSAW News 

AMHERST, Wis(WSAW)-- In an effort to serve more fresh and healthy food to senior citizens in Central Wisconsin, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County is adding locally grown produce to their menu.

The "Turn up the Beat" program is through the centers nutrition program and Farmshed, a local non-profit.

Rep. Katrina Shankland of Stevens Point was joined volunteers Wednesday to deliver meals to senior citizens in Amherst and said she is hoping to bring more programs like that to the area.

"We have such a strong local food economy and I think its fantastic that the ADRC is working so hard to bring local food that is fresh and healthy to our seniors, "said Shankland. ""I think this program here at Amherst Senior Dining Center for example is just a really important part of peoples days. So coming in, getting a hot fresh meal and being able to talk with people is really important."

The resource center also drops off food to senior citizens at their home, for more information on the program: http://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/aging-disability-resource-center/meals