Café Yolo, located at 1075 W Capitol Ave. in West Sacramento, offers a free meal and a place to sit and relax among other seniors. Photo courtesy of Yolo County Meals on Wheels

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - There is something about breaking bread with someone, especially in the senior years.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Yolo County Executive Director Joy Cohan said the U.S. Surgeon General declared an epidemic of loneliness last year, pointing to the negative effects on physical and mental health.

“The impacts of this epidemic are especially poignant for seniors, many of whom already bore the brunt of the pandemic,” Cohan said.

But now Café Yolo, located in the City of West Sacramento Community Center, ends eating alone.

“Revitalizing the concept of social dining with Cafe Yolo throughout Yolo County, and especially in this fantastic new location in West Sacramento, creates a warm and welcoming environment,” Cohan said, adding easy accessibility to 1075 W. Capitol Ave. location encourages camaraderie.

That camaraderie is why senior residents Mark and Diane attend the weekly early afternoon meals. Leaving out their last name, the couple said they love gathering with peers at 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

“It's much easier to plan lunch dates with friends because we used to try meeting downtown but it wasn't always convenient,” the couple said.

The social gathering meets critical needs, according to gerontologist and Meals on Wheels Yolo County program director Alexa Torres, who said senior nutrition directly impacts physical, mental and emotional health.

“As we age, our bodies require specific nutrients to maintain muscle mass, energy levels and overall health while reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes,” Torres said.

A registered dietician ensures each meal meets the California Department of Aging's rigorous nutritional standards, according to Torres.

“Proper nutrition is also crucial to maintain cognitive function, improve mood and support overall mental resilience as we age,” Torres said.

By pairing balanced meals with the social experience at Cafe Yolo, Torres said, “We guarantee that seniors not only receive the nourishment they need but also benefit from meaningful community connections that contribute to their overall well-being.”

City of West Sacramento seniors Mark and Diane said bringing Café Yolo to the West Sacramento Community Center is a huge benefit, allowing them to socialize weekly with friends. Photo courtesy of Yolo County Meals on Wheels

The new café would not have been possible without the county’s and city’s partnership.

“Partnerships and collaborations are critical to the advancement of social services nonprofits, such as Meals on Wheels Yolo County, and among the most impactful partnerships are those with local government,” Cohen said.

The executive director added that Yolo County “has invested deeply” in Meals on Wheels in recent years with one-time, pandemic-era American Rescue Plan funds.

“That funding is part of what made it possible for us to pursue the partnership with the City of West Sacramento to move our Meal Connection operations in the city, including Cafe Yolo, to the community center,” Cohen said.

To attend, reservations are required 24 hours in advance at mowyolo.org/locations. Reservations can also be made by email at [email protected] or by calling 530-662-7035.

“If you're looking for food, fun and friendship, join us at Cafe Yolo,” Cohen said, adding that Yolo County Meals on Wheels aspires to go bigger than the community center. “Your support fuels our mission to nourish independence and dignity.” 

Mark and Diane could not agree more, saying there is no better place than Cafe Yolo to “sit down, relax and socialize in a welcoming environment.”