Immanuel Lutheran Church played host to the opening of Encore Express’s newest branch in Washington on Thursday. The program seeks to provide those 60 years and older with healthy meals at their bi-weekly sit-down meals or with the meal vouchers provided by Hy-Vee.

Harrison March, the Community Engagement Coordinator, spoke with KCII about how Encore Express tries to separate itself from other free meal programs. “Encore Express really puts an emphasis on the social engagement part of it. What we want to do here at encore is provided people a better way to get connected with their community, and that includes speaking with people at the meals and providing speakers and other activities for them to engage with as well.”

Encore Express will take place the 2nd and 4th week of every month, and vouchers for take-home meals can be picked up at those events. Contact the Heritage Area Agency on Aging for more information about the next Encore Express event at Immanuel Lutheran Church.