“Senior Sized” Farm Shares named a national 2021 Program of Excellence Awardee

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults visited their local senior centers every day to connect with friends, learn something new, discover how to stay healthy, give back to their community, and more. Over the past year, these same senior centers have been tasked with also keeping their older members safe and helping them access food and supplies. 

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) is honoring the outstanding work of senior centers during the pandemic with the 2021 Programs of Excellence Awards. Natick Community Senior Center (CSC) is one of 15 programs receiving recognition for innovative, creative, and replicable programs for older adults.

Natick Community Senior Center (CSC) is receiving the award for “Senior Sized” Farm Shares. In partnership with Natick Community Organic Farm (NCOF) the CSC piloted a CSA program designed for seniors. Natick Council on Aging volunteers delivered NCOF fresh, nutritious produce during the growing season. The program not only supported NCOF but also provided a weekly social contact during the pandemic. The program was generously subsidized by the Foundation for MetroWest and the MetroWest Health Foundation.  

The Programs of Excellence are chosen by a national committee of senior center professionals. This year, awards were given in eight categories:

Community Development, Leadership, and Intergenerational

Cultural 

Fundraising

Health and Wellness

Nutrition

Technology

Virtual Innovations

Social Isolation

 

“Natick Community Senior Center is an important destination for older adults in Natick, and we worked hard to keep our programs accessible to our members throughout the pandemic,” said, Susan Ramsey, Senior Center & Community Services Director. “We are honored to receive a Programs of Excellence Award, and hope that other senior centers across the country will be able to replicate the Senior Farm Share Program to benefit their members.”  

For more information about the Natick Community Senior Center and its programs for older adults, visit https://www.natickma.gov/626/Council-on-Aging-Human-Services. To learn more about NISC, visit www.ncoa.org/NISC. 

About Natick Community Senior Center
The Council on Aging, Human Services, and Veteran’s Services are located at the CSC and are charged with responding to the needs, interests and quality of life issues of all who call Natick home. 

We seek to improve the quality of life for all of our residents by designing and offering a wide range of educational, recreational, cultural, health and fitness related opportunities for every resident of any age.

 About the Natick Community Organic Farm

NCOF is a nonprofit, certified-organic educational farm providing productive open space, farm products, and hands-on education to people of all ages, year-round. Part of the Town of Natick’s Community Services Department, the farm is open every day during daylight hours for visits and for purchases and welcomes 25,000 visitors a year.

 About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Visit us at www.ncoa.org or @NCOAging.