Nutrition

Recreation programs and facilities are adhering to Santa Clara County Public Health guidelines during the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. For information on closures, reduced hours and social distancing procedures, visit our City Services/Operations Updates page.

The Senior Center is a serving site for Santa Clara County’s Senior Nutrition program. The menus offer a variety of well-balanced meals throughout the month. Senior Center Membership/Activity Card is not required to participate in this program.

The Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) offered through the Aging & Adult Services section of Santa Clara County provides high quality, cost-efficient, nutritious meals to seniors. The Barbara Lee Senior Center is one of many serving sites throughout the County serving to-go meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senior Nutrition Program is open to all Monday through Friday from Noon to 1 p.m. Please make reservations by calling
(408) 586-3413.  For detailed information see the SNP FAQs and Guide.

• Call (408) 586-3413 to make or cancel your reservation. Reservations are required to guarantee a lunch. If you are unable to come for lunch and fail to cancel your reservation, your remaining reservations will be canceled until we hear from you.
• Reservations must be made by Noon (12 p.m.), one day before you plan to attend (order by Noon on Friday for a Monday lunch).
• The suggested contribution is $3 per meal for seniors 60 years and older. Guests under 60 must pay
  $9 per meal.
• You may pick up your to-go meals between Noon and 1 p.m. Unchecked-in lunches will be released to the Waiting List after 12:30 p.m.
• Taking meals from the lunchroom is done at your own risk and should be eaten or refrigerated within 30 minutes of leaving. Reheat in a 350 degree oven until bubbly for five minutes. Discard any food left after three days.

Menus are included in the Senior Newsletter.

Senior Nutrition Program FAQs and Guide

• Who is eligible? Everyone can enjoy a meal and make a reservation. All is welcome to order a meal by calling the reservation line at (408) 586-3413. We ask that you complete a Santa Clara County registration form for all participants over the age of 60.
• Is there a cost and where does my donation go to? There is a suggested contribution of $3 per meal.  However, no eligible senior is ever denied because of a failure or inability to contribute. There is an $9 fee for guests under the age of 60. You can place your contribution (cash or check payable to the City of Milpitas) in the cash box when checking in. Your donation goes back to the Senior Nutrition Program in order to sustain the program throughout Santa Clara County.
• Do I need to make reservations for lunch?  Yes. You can call (408) 586-3413 to make your reservation by noon the day before. For Monday reservations, you must make it by noon the Friday before.  Make sure to leave your name, phone number, date for the meal, and meal choice. Reserved meals that haven’t been picked up by 12:40 pm will be given to those on the waitlist. If you are unable to pick up your meal, please call to cancel.
• What is a Meal Punch Card and how much does it cost? A Meal Punch card is a pre-paid card you can purchase for $30 and receive a complimentary 11th meal. You must present this card when checking in for your reserved meal.
• What do I bring when checking in for my meal? Please have your Santa Clara County Gold Scan Card and Meal Punch Card available. Remember to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart and it is mandatory to comply with the Face Covering Guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health to wear a mask when leaving home.
• Who provides the catered food? The meals are catered by Santa Clara County approved caterers, Bateman and MoonChef. Bateman provides the hot meals, sandwiches, salads, vegan and vegetarian meals daily, Monday through Friday. MoonChef provides the hot Asian-inspired meals on Monday and Thursdays, which are listed in bold type on the monthly menu calendar.