March 19, 2025, marked a significant day for the residents of Tanner Terrace in Glendale, Arizona, as they came together to celebrate National Nutrition Month. The event, held from 2 PM to 3:30 PM, aimed to emphasize the importance of healthy eating among seniors and featured a special focus on enhancing their nutritional knowledge.

The gathering was organized by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, a non-profit dedicated to enriching lives through healthy eating. Over the years, this organization has worked tirelessly to provide access to fresh produce and nutritional education for low-income seniors, veterans, and vulnerable individuals in the community.

A Flavorful Presentation

The afternoon began with a lively presentation titled Food, Fun, and Fitness, led by certified nutritionist Debbie Polisky. The interactive session engaged residents in discussions about the benefits of balanced nutrition and simple ways to incorporate healthy foods into their diets. Attendees were eager to learn and ask questions, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with enthusiasm for healthier living.

As a delightful conclusion to the presentation, each of the 100 seniors in attendance received a pre-packed bag of fresh produce from Fry’s Food Stores, complete with recipes and nutritional information. Watching the smiles on the seniors’ faces as they received these gifts was a heartwarming reminder of the impact of community support.

Generous Support from Fry’s Food Stores

At the outset of the event, Diana Gregory was presented with a generous check from Fry’s Food Stores. This contribution is vital for supporting Diana Gregory Outreach Services and its initiatives. Gregory proudly stated, “We have been serving the town for 16 years, and last year alone, we served over 30,000 seniors and veterans. This kind of support is critical to continue our mission.”

Pam Giannonatti, the Corporate Affairs Manager for Fry’s, emphasized their commitment to fighting food insecurity. With initiatives like “Zero Hunger, Zero Waste,” Fry’s aims to provide fresh food not only in their stores but also to those in need within the community. “Last year alone, we were able to provide over 16 million meals to hungry Arizonans,” Girardi remarked, highlighting the company’s dedication to wholesome nutrition and community welfare.

The Mission of Diana Gregory Outreach Services

Diana Gregory Outreach Services has a clear and impactful mission: to enrich lives through healthy eating. By addressing health disparities and championing holistic nutrition and fitness, the organization ensures that vulnerable populations have access to the resources they need to thrive. Their commitment is straightforward but profound: “We have a responsibility to ensure no veteran, senior, and their families in our community go to bed hungry.”

The culmination of the event was not just about handing out fresh produce; it symbolized a community rallying together to support its most vulnerable members. Flyers were distributed to the residents of Tanner Terrace, spreading awareness about future initiatives and encouraging participation in further programs designed to enhance healthy living.

A Community Commitment

As I observed this event, it became clear that initiatives like these serve a dual purpose: they enrich the lives of seniors by providing them with crucial resources and foster a sense of community among participants. For many seniors, events like these also offer an opportunity to socialize and engage with their neighbors, enhancing their overall well-being.

As National Nutrition Month concludes, the event at Tanner Terrace stands as a shining example of how community partnerships—between organizations, businesses, and residents—can work in harmony to create a healthier future for all. By continuing to support initiatives that prioritize nutrition, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s health and wellness.

In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the connections made, ensuring that every member of our community has access to the nourishment they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Related link:

https://dianagregory.com

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

(Family Features) For some, tax season represents the opportunity for a return and some much-needed relief for their bank accounts. Yet for others, it’s time to write a check to Uncle Sam. Ensure you’re up to date on all things 2025 taxes with this guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the IRS. Tax Deadlines If you’re unable to file before the traditional April 15 deadline, you do have a few options. Filing for an extension provides an extra six months until Oct. 15, however, if you believe you will owe taxes, you’re required to estimate how much you owe and pay that amount alongside your extension form. Filing Your Taxes Each person’s tax situation is unique, but there is an assortment of options when it comes time to file. Some people (an estimated 100 million) are eligible to file their returns for free, such as seniors, those who speak English as a second language, those with incomes of less than $60,000, servicemembers and more. Be sure to check your eligibility for services like IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, The Tax Counseling for the Elderly, MyFreeTaxes, GetYourRefund, IRS Free File, MilTax and more. Accessing Your Refund Electronically filing and choosing direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days, but issuance of a paper check may take 4-6 weeks. Make sure to have your account and routing numbers ready when filing your return. One alternate solution is to have your refund issued to a prepaid card that accepts direct deposit, but there may be fees involved. Check with the card provider to determine any applicable fees. Watch for Scams The IRS will not contact you by email, text message or social media to request personal or financial information. Scammers may impersonate the IRS to convince you to share personal information through the mail, telephone, email and beyond. Find more tax tips and information at irs.gov and visit eLivingtoday.com for additional financial advice.   Photo courtesy of Unsplash   SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com