Older adults in Washington County are getting a second call to enhance their health with the recently launched Encore Express nutrition program.

Those 60 and older and their spouse, regardless of age, can receive vouchers redeemable for meals at the Washington Hy-Vee. Participants can receive up to three vouchers per week per person, which are redeemed for hot or prepared refrigerated meals and a container of milk. Heritage Agency on Aging Community Engagement Coordinator Harrison March says this spin off of the Encore Cafe program in the Cedar Rapids area seeks to fill the need for more nutrition services in Washington County, “This Encore-style program is one that we’ve had a lot of success with up in the Cedar Rapids area. That program started a couple of years ago and has won some national and some other more regional, local recognition for the success the program has had. And so when we saw an opportunity to expand nutrition services in Washington County, we saw no better way to bring something new and exciting down there than to mirror a program that’s already had a lot of success elsewhere in eastern Iowa.”

The Heritage Agency is working to launch a group dining component at Washington’s Immanuel Lutheran Church which will give opportunities to socialize, play games, and hear from local presenters about community events and resources. The launch date is to be determined due to the pandemic. Participants can call the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 319-653-3950 or visit during office hours from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday to get signed up for the meal vouchers. There is a suggested voluntary contribution of $5 per voucher, but no eligible person will be denied service due to an inability to make a contribution. Older residents can also sign up for the agency’s farmer’s market nutrition vouchers at the Washington Farmers’ Market this evening from 5-7:30 p.m. in Central Park.