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CSNP
Cambodian Seniors Nutrition Program (CSNP)
The goal of the Cambodian Seniors Nutrition Program is to enhance the quality of life of limited/non-English speaking Cambodian seniors in Long Beach.
Cambodian elderly in Long beach needed a plan for a culturally appropriate and geographically accessible mealsite. Under the leadership of the Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging, a Cambodian Senior Nutrition Collaborative was formed in 2000 with the following agencies as members:
- Cambodian Association of America
- Mt. Carmel Cambodian Center
- United Cambodian Community, Inc.
- Asian & Pacific Islander Older Adults Task Force
- Special Service for Groups
- Volunteers of America
- City of Long beach Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine
By September 2001, a culturally appropriate Cambodian food-based menu was developed that met (and continues to meet) federal nutrition standards. Human Services Association now coordinates the preparation and delivery of the Cambodian meals. Currently, hot, nutritious meals are served daily Monday through Friday to about 20-30 seniors.
The Cambodian Senior Nutrition Program, conducted at the California Recreation Center in Long Beach, is more than a congregate meals program. Due to the trust the program has established in this hard-to-reach population since it was founded in 2001, what began as a nutrition site to serve culturally-appropriate hot and nutritious meals to Cambodian seniors, has evolved into a trusted resource to link Cambodian elderly and their families to senior services. Over 5,000 contacts are generated by this program annually.
The seniors who participate in the program have responded positively to the efforts of the above organizations to provide this community service. When asked to describe their experiences with the program, this is what some of them had to say:
- "We like eating healthy nutritious food."
- "We enjoy visiting old friends and meeting new ones."
- "We share information with each other on where we can get services that we need."
Transportation
Transportation is a critical component in ensuring the participation of non-English speaking Cambodian elders who are unable to use existing public transit systems due to language and other barriers. A 15-passenger van, staffed by a Cambodian-speaking driver provides rides between designated pick-up points and the meal site.
Gardening Project
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In 2006, CSNP
initiated a
community gardening project to promote a healthy and active lifestyle
for the seniors participating in the nutrition program. The garden is
located at Mount Carmel Cambodian Center, not too far from the
nutrition site in the City of Long Beach. Please read more about the
garden here.
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Demographics (according to the 2000 Census)
- The largest Cambodian population in the United States resides in Los Angeles County.
- Over half of Los Angeles County's Cambodian population resides in the City of Long Beach.
- Approximately 6% of the Cambodian population is 60 years of age or older.
- The vast majority (95%) of the Cambodian elders are non-English speakers or limited English speakers.
- Cambodian elders constitute the most severely under-served population in Los Angeles County.
- Language, culture, and other barriers prevent them from acccessing and participating in existing available services.
Site
California Recreation Center
1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Long Beach, CA
