Local donations to the Highland County Senior Citizens Center have allowed the organization to purchase a 2022 Ford Transit that it uses to deliver meals to seniors within the city limits of Hillsboro.

The Round Up Grant program through the South Central Power Company provided $10,000 for the vehicle, and National Cooperative Bank, Walmart, Peoples Bank and an anonymous donor provided additional donations.

Using a kitchen licensed through the Highland County Health Department, the Highland County Senior Citizens Center typically provides meals for between 20 to 30 seniors each weekday. “We are a complete working facility just like any restaurant,” said Highland County Senior Center Executive Director Mechell Karnes.

Seniors enrolled in the Passport program through the Area Agency on Aging receive meals free from the senior center. Private clients are able to purchase the meals at a nominal fee.

“We make the meals here onsite Monday through Friday, and it’s a hot meal that is dietitian approved,” said Karnes. “They always get a vegetable, a fruit, dairy, and all of the food groups necessary.”

Karnes said the meals are sealed and arrive hot to each front door. “We also had a special unit put into the van that we can keep plugged in to make sure the meal stays hot,” said Karnes.

Karnes said she works to ensure there is plenty of variety in the meals. The meals can range from lasagna with salad and garlic bread, to pork chops, sloppy joes, fish, country fried steak or cheeseburgers. “We mix it up so you are not getting the same thing every day,” she said.

While the meals are not provided free, they are sometimes coupled with an “angel discount” in which a donor pays for part of the meal. Those with inquiries about the home delivered meals and pricing can call the senior center at 937-393-4745.

“We pride ourselves on the fact that our meals are hot and fresh, made that day, and delivered to your door,” said Karnes.

Reach John Hackley at 937-402-2571.