*This is a special feature from the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services 

“It has been a blessing to be able to have San José Together helping me and my family,” said Lesly Wuthenow, a senior participant of San José Together Meals on Wheels, a meal delivery program providing food for homebound seniors.

“Without their assistance, my family would have struggled.”

San José Together Meals on Wheels is one of many resources provided by Sourcewise of Santa Clara County – a program created to provide homebound seniors with access to nutritional services.

The San José Together Meals on Wheels provides meals and shelf-stable food stables to homebound seniors, 60 years or older, in Santa Clara County. To see if you or someone you know may be eligible for delivered meals, visit https://www.mysourcewise.com/meals.

As an emergency nutrition program expansion of Sourcewise’s existing Meals on Wheels (MOW) program, seniors like Wuthenow receive home-delivered meals because of challenges in preparing meals on their own or have no additional support in obtaining food.

Developed specifically for homebound seniors, aged 60 years or older, the San José Together expansion program supports adults that have tested positive for COVID-19, have experienced exposure to the virus, or live with a disability.

From weekly deliveries of breakfasts and dinners, to hearty care packages of fruits and vegetables, the City of San José’s ongoing collaboration with community-based organizations is helping homebound seniors stay healthy and nourished throughout the pandemic.

“The program is amazing,” Wuthenow replied during an email exchange.

“To be able to get food at your house without needing to go out. It was very convenient and safe.”

Sourcewise provides a week’s worth of meals for homebound seniors who meet their eligibility criteria.

The San José Together program provides up to 14 meals, one quart of juice, and a loaf of bread, in addition to fruits and snacks per week.

Sourcewise’s community resource specialists play an important role in connecting clients with meal programs and community resources, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its one year mark.

Whether it involves determining program eligibility, interpreting service information in another language, or connecting seniors with resources – community resource specialists are undoubtedly the glue that connects San José seniors to services.

“Miss Yen Bui is an amazing and caring lady, she helped me to sign up for the program,” Wuthenow admitted.

“She was kind and very helpful.”

Senior meal delivery programs like San José Together Meals provide almost 3,000 daily meals to eligible participants, according to City food dashboard data.

As the need for food assistance continues to grow, the City of San José’s partnerships with local nonprofits is key to increasing access to nutrition for at-risk residents.

Santa Clara County residents interested in the San José Together Meals on Wheels program can speak with a community resource specialist by calling 408-350-3200, option 4. Interested applicants can also send an email by visiting http://www.mysourcewise.com/contact.

According to the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, accessing and preparing meals at home can become a barrier to proper nutrition for homebound older adults.

For many homebound seniors in San José, being unable to shop or cook meals at home due to a physical or mental condition can lead to additional health complications later on.

“The program is lucky to have [employees like] Yen working for them,” said Wuthenow.

“I am very grateful that Yen was able to help me and assist, she was really concerned about my family and our need to provide for food.”

Residents in need of food assistance can access resources and services by visiting www.mysourcewise.com/meals. Residents in need of food assistance services can call 211, (408) 350-3200, option 4 and visit www.SiliconValleyStrong.org to sign up today.

To find out how you can access food resources in your neighborhood, please visit bit.ly/SCCFoodMap. You can also visit siliconvalleystrong.org, call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multilingual service or text your zip code to "898211".