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Duke Energy offers 'shelf-stable' meals to Jefferson county seniors

A female Duke Energy employee hands a senior a green bag
Aly Raschid
/
Duke Energy
Duke Energy has had similar events throughout the state, such as this one in Pinellas County. The event in Jefferson County will be a drive through only, allowing the seniors to not have to leave their vehicles. The bags handed to seniors include meals and water in the case of an emergency.

Duke Energy plans to provide shelf-stable meals to Jefferson County residents age 60 and older. The event is a partnership between the utility and the Florida Council on Aging and Advantage Aging Solutions.

Local seniors are encouraged to pick up grab-and-go boxes containing three nonperishable meals and water at this community event. The three meals included are a breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Packets of food including chicken salad, spaghetti in tomato sauce, juice boxes, water, cereal, apple sauce and non-perishable snacks are sprawled on the counter.
Aly Raschid
/
Duke Energy
Duke is providing non-perishable food to their senior residents. The food is to provide a breakfast, lunch and dinner option in the case of an emergency during hurricane season.

The meals are to ensure older residents are prepared for a quick evacuation or potential power outages when the next storm strikes.

The event will be held at 9 A.M. at Jefferson Public library while supplies last. The boxes will be distributed in a drive through so no one has to leave their cars.

Aly Raschid, Senior Communications Manager for Duke Energy, says that while the event is tailored to older residents, the company is willing to provide the boxes to any and all residents in need. Raschid also clarified that no documentation will be needed when picking up the boxes, allowing for a seamless pickup and go.

Randall Vuxta is a graduate from the University of Central Florida with a focus on narrative first journalism. With eight years of experience covering the Orlando area, Randall brings an experienced eye to the Rural News Service team. Whether it's covering a local trivia league or scrambling during a spontaneous bus fire, Randall makes sure to cover stories the community cares to hear. Randall lives by a mantra: everyone has a story, go out and find it!