Sacramento’s Great Plates Delivered Program will continue to serve restaurant-prepared meals to seniors through Friday, Aug. 7 thanks to a funding extension granted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of California.

The program launched in Sacramento on May 14 and has delivered over 147,000 meals to 1,100 seniors in the city limits. With the extension, the service will continue five days per week with 44 restaurants receiving income from the purchase of the meal kits with a combination of federal, state and local funding.

This is especially good news for the 44 participating restaurants, who in complying with the Governor’s necessary health orders, have significantly curtailed their operations to keep Sacramentans safe.

"There have been so many positive pieces to working on Great Plates with the City of Sacramento, FEMA, fellow restaurateurs, and local vendors.” Said Deneb Williams of Allora Italian Restaurant and Woodlake Tavern. “Under such devastating circumstances surrounding COVID, the need was apparent that the elderly must be taken care of. We were able come together and provide sustenance which has been an incredible experience. This has promoted camaraderie with our team of employees that we were blessed enough to employ again thanks to the Great Plates funding. We are thankful to be a part of this program and hope to continue providing meals as long as it is needed.”

A total of 320 employees work part or full-time at the 44 restaurants, and the income from the restaurants have added hours and even kept employees on staff.

Restaurants have pivoted from dine-in service to take out and delivery requiring training and new menus to accommodate the low-sodium and low-sugar nutritional requirements of the Great Plates Program.

“Another great week in the GPD program!” said Carlos Zuniga at Dos Coyotes. “Our team was eager to get these kits together this week and implement all that we learned. We branched out with new recipes and improved existing recipes to cater to our low sodium and sugar clients. Some of these changes will likely stay in effect to help provide healthier options for all of our guests.”

Seniors have also offered testimonials. Paula sent a message to Fox & Goose and their proprietor Jessa Berkey: “I have been a recipient of the Great Plates Program. I wanted to thank you for your participation and for the wonderful meals you have provided to me. The meals have been so extraordinarily delicious and nutritious. I feel you must not only live to cook but also love the people who you serve. I have been able to stay safe at home, important due to my age and health condition, and able to eat beyond well. Thank you so much for the wonderful meals!.”

Allora’s Deneb Williams loads food boxes

FEMA is footing 75 percent of the cost of the program, which is currently scheduled to conclude July 10. The state of California is paying 18.75 percent, and the city is providing a required 6.25 percent local match.

Fifty percent of the restaurants participating in the program are minority owned, and 34 percent are owned by women. The program has also helped support local farmers who supply produce for the meals. Restaurants receive $59 a day for each box containing breakfast, lunch and dinner for a senior.

“The creation of the Great Plates Delivered Program was one of many courageous steps that federal, state, and local leaders took together to keep our elder population at highest risk safe during this pandemic while also boosting economic stimulus to hundreds of local food businesses,” said Ryan Buras, deputy director of recovery for the California Office of Emergency Services. “We are committed to fighting this together and empowering determined local leaders, such as the City of Sacramento, to continue moving forward in collaborating with local food businesses to provide nutritious meals on a daily basis.”