Leaders for Lunches is a statewide campaign designed to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community. Seniors at the Belfry Senior Citizens Center recently enjoyed lunch to celebrate the event.

“Our county leaders care about our seniors and realize how important they are to our communities,” said Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford. “Our seniors are sources of wisdom, strength and vitality, and I am glad that the Pike County Senior Citizens Program is the strongest and the best program in the state.”

“Participating in the Leaders for Lunches Campaign is a way for Pike County to show our seniors that they respect and care for them,” said Pike County Social Services Commissioner Carol Napier. “The Fiscal Court has done so much to help our senior citizens program over the last two years, and it is exciting to watch the program grow as a result.”

As the number of older people in Kentucky grows, so does the need for increased attention to delivering services to this segment of the community. Adequate nutrition is critical to health, functioning, quality of life and independent living.

Kentucky’s Elderly Nutrition Program, through the Pike County Senior Citizens Program, provides nutritious congregate and home-delivered meals, following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The program also includes nutrition screening, assessment, education and counseling to help participants meet their health and nutrition needs.

District 6 Magistrate Chris Harris helped served during the event.

“I am honored to be able to serve here,” Harris said. “Our seniors are a special part of our community, and I am proud of all the work our Belfry Senior Center does for them.”

The center runs buses for seniors so they can socialize and enjoy a meal on Mondays and Fridays. A special Open House is planned for April 6, with a musical cantata planned for 12:30. The public is invited to attend. For more information on this event or other services available to seniors, call 606 353-7959.