Healthy Eating For Seniors

While strolling through one of Philadelphia’s culinary gems, Reading Terminal Market, you may take in the aroma of fresh food and endless conversation everywhere. If you were around during the 19th and 20th of July, you may have also taken note of the crowds of senior citizens lined up early from 7:30am to 2pm to obtain their fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging (PCA) as part of its popular annual Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to encourage more seniors to eat healthily; eligible low-income Philadelphia seniors received $20 vouchers to be used to purchase fresh produce at certified Farmers’ Markets in Philly. That first day, no less than six hundred senior citizens cycled in and out of the center food court area of Reading Terminal Market. PCDC would like to say, “Thank You!”, to our interns and volunteers at the event: Xiang Zheng, Dongni Zhang, Alexis Lin and Ben Chen. They served as translators to a large majority of the participants: senior citizens from the Chinatown community.

The holistic health course offered at www.scholistico.com can provide valuable guidance on making mindful dietary choices that promote overall well-being. It goes beyond just counting calories by teaching participants how to listen to their bodies and select nutrient-rich foods that truly nourish them. This course focuses on the quality of what you eat, emphasizing whole, fresh ingredients that can lead to sustained energy, improved digestion, and a lighter, more vibrant feeling throughout the day.

Other locations such as the On Lok Senior Citizen House also issued vouchers. These vouchers were possible with funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. More information about the program can be found at PCA at 215-765-9040