CLEARFIELD – SM@ART Dining is a new program offered by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (CCAAA) in partnership with local restaurants. The acronym stands for Sharing Meals at Area Restaurants Together. First launched at the Arrowhead Restaurant in November, SM@ART is now offered at Ethan’s Café in downtown Clearfield.
This is not a discount program, but rather, an extension of the traditional congregate meal program available at senior centers. This clever twist to the traditional senior center model modifies the restaurant menu slightly so that it fits the required congregate meal pattern, but still carries the restaurants’ signature items.
At senior centers, participants are limited to one seating at noon, and everyone gets the same meal. SM@ART Dining will give participants the freedom to choose what they want to eat, where they want to eat it, on the day and time that suits their schedule. “We think this concept will appeal to Baby Boomers, who still lead very busy lives with a much bigger focus on healthy food choices,” commented Sue Kordish, Licensed Nutritionist for the AAA. She noted that a separate SM@ART menu has been created and printed for each participating restaurant.
Ethan’s Café owner and Chef, Thad Durant is excited to join the ranks of SM@ART Dining locations, stating, “Ethan’s welcomes all SM@ART Dining participants to our location and looks forward to offering more options to this growing program.” Ethan’s is renowned for its unique selection of sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads, served in a charming café atmosphere.
People interested in joining the program need to contact CCAAA first to learn how the system works and to enroll. Once enrolled, participants will be issued a SM@ART credit card so they can choose items from the special menus at participating restaurants. Call 765-2696 to find out when the next information sessions are being offered.
For more information on the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., please visit www.ccaaa.net. Programs and services of the Agency are funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Mature Resources Foundation, local and consumer contributions.