Manchester Senior Bites Aims To Nourish Spirits As Well As Bodies

MANCHESTER, NJ — Isolation and food insecurity are serious issues for senior citizens. In Manchester Township, a new program that aims to address both of those issues and help the community's senior residents.

Senior Bites is an effort of Manchester Township's Senior Services with the support of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, Manchester officials said.

The program provides eligible Manchester seniors who are 60 or older with meal vouchers that can be redeemed at participating local restaurants. The vouchers allow seniors "to enjoy a healthy, nutritionist-approved meal in a restaurant setting free of charge," officials said.

It not only helps ensure seniors are receiving good meals, alleviating food insecurity, but encourages socialization and supports small, local businesses, officials said.

The Heritage Restaurant, at 108 Lacey Road in the Whiting Town Square shopping center, is the first restaurant participating in the pilot program, which is funded by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

Melissa DePalma, Manchester's director of Senior Services, said the program was a response to an expressed community need.

"The recent Ocean County needs assessment showed that preparing meals was one of the top concerns for maintaining independence," DePalma said. "Food insecurity ranked as the number one priority. With that knowledge, and the support of our partners, we were determined to create a solution."

DePalma worked closely with Maria LaFace, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, along with the township to create the program, and found support from Nick Bokhari, owner of Heritage Restaurant.

"Nick was a true pleasure to work with throughout the development of Senior Bites," township officials said. "His compassion and commitment to ensuring no one goes hungry is truly inspiring."

Bokhari also regularly donates food to local churches, ensuring that excess meals are shared with those in need rather than wasted, township officials said.

"His generosity reflects the kind of community spirit that makes programs like Senior Bites a success," officials said.

"Senior Bites shows what’s possible when local government, county agencies, and small businesses

work hand in hand," Hankins said. "This program isn’t just about providing a meal — it’s
about restoring connection, supporting independence, and showing our seniors they are valued
and never forgotten."

For more information or to sign up for the program, residents can contact Manchester Senior Services at 732-849-8305.