Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center Reopening for Lunch on May 2;
Congregate Meal, Grab-N-Go Option to Replace Curbside Meals

SANTA FE, April 27 – The City of Santa Fe Senior Services Division is excited to announce that the Mary Esther Gonzales (MEG) Senior Center will again offer a congregate lunch for seniors beginning Monday, May 2, 2022. A Grab-N-Go lunch option will also be offered for those who do not wish to dine in-person. Senior transportation services will be expanded to include grocery store trips in addition to pharmacies and medical appointments. The MEG Center and all transportation services will have COVID-safe protocols in place to ensure the safety of staff and clients.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two years since the MEG Center was open for in-person dining,” said Senior Services Division Director Gino Rinaldi. “Our staff has worked tirelessly and creatively to continue to provide services and meals while the facility was closed, and to ensure that this return to in-person prioritizes the safety of all attendees. We’re looking forward to the doors opening for lunch on Monday!”

To register for Senior Services programs, call (505) 955-4711.* The following meal and transportation options will be available beginning Monday, May 2:

Meal Option 1 (Congregate)

The MEG Center will serve dine-in lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Seniors must be pre-registered for the program to attend and receive a meal. The following safety protocols will be observed during congregate lunches:

• Masks are to be worn by staff and seniors at all times except when eating or drinking.
• Social distancing will be practiced. To maintain appropriate distancing,
• Staff will seat attendees in the dining room.
• Tables will be limited to four (4) seniors at one time.
• Staff will bring each person their meal at their assigned table.
• Meals will be served on paper products until further notice.
• Seniors will be asked to leave the dining room upon completion of their meal.
• All seniors will be asked to leave the building by 1 p.m.

Senior Services staff will be on hand to monitor safety protocols and ensure all participants are pre-registered before attending the congregate lunch. Breakfast and after-lunch activities will not be available at this time.

Meal Option 2 (Grab-N-Go)

Seniors may also choose to receive a Grab-N-Go lunch instead of eating at the MEG Center. To receive a Grab-N-Go meal, seniors must enter the MEG Center lobby (masks are required) and inform a staff member of their name and that they would like grab-n-go service. A to-go meal will be brought to them in the lobby. Curbside meal service will no longer be available as of May 2.

Transportation Services

Senior transportation services will be available for grocery store trips, medical appointments, and pharmacy visits. To ensure proper social distancing is observed, the transportation vans will be limited to four (4) seniors per vehicle at a time, and seniors may reserve one (1) grocery store trip per week. All passengers are required to wear a mask while in the vans. Masks will be available for those who do not have one. Drivers are required to clean and sanitize their vehicle in between rides.

Transportation reservations must be scheduled three (3) to five (5) days in advance. Reservations can be made by calling (505) 955-4700 and providing the pickup location, drop-off destination and appointment time, as well as a contact number.

The MEG Senior Center is located at 1121 Alto Street. Additional information about expanded services, including updates about senior activities at the MEG, will be shared via the monthly Senior Scene newsletter as it becomes available.

*Participants must meet the following criteria, per the Older Americans Act:

Be 60 years of age or over; or be the legal spouse of a member age 60 or over, residing at the same address; or for meals only, be disabled and living at Luisa, Pasatiempo, or Villa Consuelo (senior housing).