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Sharon is a regular attendee at the Center for Seniors in Neosho, which provides activities, hot lunches and more for older adults in Newton County. It’s a hub of resources and, for Sharon, hope.

“I was pretty depressed when I came here,” shared Sharon, who moved from Oklahoma to a tiny home on her son’s farm in Neosho about four years ago. “My daughter-in-law kept saying I needed to get involved in something, so I decided to go to the senior center. It’s been almost four years, and I’ve become a lot more settled in my ways and feeling a lot happier with my life.”

Sharon attributes that happiness in large part to her decision to visit the senior center, which has improved both her physical and mental health. The center’s exercise room gives her easy access to equipment so she can stay active; daily games and activities provide entertainment and friendship; and hot lunches Monday through Friday mean she can get a warm, nutritious meal any weekday she wants.

“I’ve lost 75 pounds since I moved here. Part of that I attribute to the senior center helping me with eating balanced meals and being happy,” said Sharon. “They offer good meals. They’re delicious, and then eating a meal with people rather than eating by yourself is always better because you eat slower; you talk and visit.”

Nutritious meals have helped Sharon feel healthier, but what she loves most about lunches at the senior center is the community. When she has eye appointments for her macular degeneration, it’s
the friends she’s made at the senior center who give her a ride. When others need help, Sharon is excited to lend a hand. She carries the meal and activity schedule with her because it gives her something to look forward to each week.

Ozarks Food Harvest is proud to call the Center for Seniors in Neosho a partner as we help keep their kitchen stocked for home-delivered meals and daily lunches. Every meal served from the center follows nutrition guidelines so seniors have access to well-rounded meals, especially if their fixed incomes don’t always cover the cost of groceries. As Sharon explained, “When you work hard all your life and raise your children and do what you’re supposed to do, and then you retire and live on a fixed income – it’s very difficult to make that adjustment.”

Food from Ozarks Food Harvest helps maximize the senior center’s budget so they can focus on community-building resources that transform lives like Sharon’s.

She summarized, “My life has greatly improved since coming here. I’m not depressed. I’ve lost weight. I’m healthier. I’m happy. And I feel like I’m a useful member of the community now. It’s been a great, uplifting part of my life.”

Sharon’s enthusiasm and compassion are evident from the moment you meet her. They’re the traits of someone who’s found her way out of a dark time and can’t wait to help others do the same. That’s why she told us her story – she wants more older adults to know that there are people out there who care, who want to make sure every senior has access to friendship, comforting meals, or whatever they need to feel their best.

Ozarks Food Harvest supports more than 270 organizations in southwest Missouri who want to do the same for every age group.

If you or someone you know needs help with food, reach out to your nearest pantry or meal program at ozarksfoodharvest.org/need-help. If you’re in a position to give help, donate now at ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate. Thank you for helping neighbors like Sharon access the meals they need to thrive.