Washington County elder residents are reminded of a free meal program provided by the Heritage Area Agency on Aging.

Encore Express launched last June, a spinoff of Heritage AAA’s Encore Cafe program in Cedar Rapids. The program offers adults vouchers redeemable for up to three meals per week per person at the Washington Hy-Vee. Heritage Community Engagement Coordinator Harrison March tells KCII they’ve been gradually ramping up the program in its first year, “We’ve got a little over 20 participants that are currently involved with it, people that are receiving their vouchers to pick up meals at the Washington Hy-Vee. It’s open to any adult who’s 60 and older. There’s no income restrictions, there’s no real guidelines beyond just being 60 or older.”

Spouses of participants can also receive meal vouchers regardless of their age. March says they are still working out logistics to add their intended group dining component at Washington’s Immanuel Lutheran Church this year. Those meals would offer opportunities to socialize, play games, and hear from local presenters about community events and resources. Encore Express is a free program, with a suggested voluntary contribution of $5 per voucher to help cover the program costs. The public can contact the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 319-653-3950 or visit during office hours from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. More information can be found in this story at kciiradio.com.