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Sequoia Living, Senior Services for Northern California, and Morrison Living Team Up to Deliver Free Groceries to Low-Income Seniors

Sequoia chefs unloading a truck of food

Innovative partnership delivers groceries to 550 homebound low-income seniors
in Sequoia Living’s affordable housing communities.

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) April 10, 2020Sequoia Living, Senior Services for Northern California, and Morrison Living have come together to help some of the Bay Area’s most vulnerable seniors access nutritious food during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to a new partnership, 550 low-income seniors who reside in Sequoia Living’s affordable housing communities will receive a free box of healthy groceries every week for the duration of the shelter-in-place order. The delivery program serves residents of Eastern Park Apartments and Western Park Apartments in San Francisco, and Town Park Towers in San Jose.

The first grocery delivery day on Monday, March 30 was a success, uniting staff, residents, and vendors in the spirit of service. A team from Morrison Living procured the groceries; residents from two of Sequoia Living’s continuing care retirement communities, The Sequoias San Francisco and The Sequoias Portola Valley, volunteered to pack the groceries into boxes; and Sequoia Living’s affordable housing employees distributed the groceries to their residents.

This example of neighbors helping neighbors is made possible through voluntary donations from Sequoia Living residents, families, vendors, board members, and staff; and a generous donation of labor from Morrison Living, Sequoia Living’s food service partner.

“When the shelter-in-place order first came through, I had been to the grocery store that day and knew how difficult it was for me,” recalled Shawn Leary, Regional Vice President of Morrison Living. “After a group of us at Morrison decided we wanted to help bring food to vulnerable seniors, I reached out to Sequoia Living. They were thrilled with the idea, and we all worked together to make it happen.”

“The coronavirus and shelter-in-place order have posed serious challenges for our affordable housing residents,” said Steve Herman, Board Chair of Senior Services for Northern California, the supporting organization of Sequoia Living. “When it became clear these residents needed help, we decided to stand together and take action.”

“It is inspiring to see our residents, staff members, and vendors supporting one another in such an innovative and creative way during these difficult times,” said Sara McVey, President and CEO of Sequoia Living. “It’s another way we are standing Sequoia strong.”

About Sequoia Living

Founded in 1958, Sequoia Living provides homes and services to promote healthy aging for seniors in Northern California. Sequoia Living is composed of four continuing care retirement communities (one under construction), three affordable housing communities, one manufactured home park for older adults, and two senior centers. Overall, Sequoia Living provides housing for 1,900 older adults and serves an additional 2,300 seniors through its community service programs. Learn more at www.sequoialiving.org.

About Senior Services for Northern California

Established in 1987 as the supporting organization of Sequoia Living, Senior Services for Northern California (SSNC) is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors of all income levels and backgrounds. SSNC raises funds for programs and services that help Bay Area seniors stay healthy, live independently, and engage in activities that enrich their lives. Learn more at www.seniorservicesnorcal.org.

About Morrison Living

Morrison Living, a member of Compass Group, provides inspired dining, wellness, environmental, and hospitality solutions to senior living communities across the United States. For more information, visit www.morrisonliving.com.

Download a PDF of this press release.

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