Caring for the mental and physical wellbeing of those most vulnerable

Something was different. On Tuesday, May 19, in the spot where the Kinneret bus is generally parked, the Toasted truck took its place. By 10:30 a.m. there was the distinct scent of grilled cheese wafting from the truck. The Kinneret Council on Aging staff donned masks and gloves and lined up with carts to deliver a hot grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup and coleslaw to all 301 Kinneret residents.

The grill in the truck did not stop for 2 ½ hours, which is how long it took to deliver this true comfort food to our eager residents. Like everyone else, Kinneret residents have been homebound for weeks on end. Unlike everyone else, as the most vulnerable in our population, they must continue to maintain their distance and continue to deal with the social isolation brought on by the coronavirus.

"It felt so good to give our residents a hot meal, to show that we miss them and that we care," said Amalia Chagos, a resident and part of the KCOA kitchen staff.

Following the distribution of the meals to the residents, appreciation meals were provided to all Kinneret and KCOA employees who have been working tirelessly for the past two months to ensure both the physical and mental health of the residents. All of this was made possible by a very generous donation from the Pargh Foundation.

"Our residents have exhibited incredible resilience throughout the past two months of isolation, though we can see that the combined strains of isolation, loneliness and deep food insecurity are taking their toll," said Sharon Weil, executive director for nonprofit operations at KCOA. "Our hope in bringing this program to our residents is to bring them something to look forward to through comfort food made fresh, on site, just for them."

"I am so excited and grateful to Kinneret and KCOA for everything that they have been doing to make this awful situation more bearable," said Julie Stewart, a Kinneret resident.

Located in vibrant downtown Orlando, Kinneret Apartments provides affordable, independent senior housing with amenities and social activities that enhance the lives of our residents. Kinneret Council on Aging provides additional support and enrichment through educational, spiritual and social programs that further create a warm and loving atmosphere. For more information on the facility or to find out how you can donate to the Kinneret Council on Aging please go to http://www.kinneretliving.org or contact Sharon F. Weil at sweil@kinneretcouncil.org.