Astoria Senior Center
[503] 325-3231
Astoria Senior Center Reopens for Lunch After Pandemic Closure
Affordable, Savory Meals Served Daily to ASC Members
After the long pause due to the pandemic, the Astoria Senior Center (ASC) is once again serving lunch to its members. For just $6, ASC members can enjoy a wholesome, affordable meal every weekday. ASC membership is available for only $20 per year.
The driving force behind this revitalized lunch program is Osarch Orak, known as “Oz,” a dynamic local figure with a passion for helping others. Currently, around 15 meals are served daily from Monday to Friday, with hopes of expanding the program as more members take advantage of the nutritious meals offered between 12:00pm and 1:00pm.
Oz’s path to this role has been anything but straightforward. For much of his early life, he would visit his uncle, Ken Nelson, who worked as a maintenance man at Tongue Point. Along the way, Oz faced and overcame significant challenges, including homelessness. In 2018, he relocated permanently to Astoria to attend the Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station (MERTS) at Clatsop Community College.
In 2020, Oz became the Executive Director of Filling Empty Bellies, where he began to combine his cooking skills with his passion for community service, overseeing various programs for those in need.
Looking to the future, Oz hopes to secure a grant by Spring 2025 to fund kitchen staffing and an office to oversee the food program. Until then, he is cooking out of Life Boat Services, located at 1440 Commercial Street in downtown Astoria. With the grant, Oz plans to move the meal preparation to the ASC kitchen, marking a significant step forward for the program.
Each week, LifeBoat Services receives about 300 pounds of food, some of which Oz uses to prepare meals for the ASC lunch program. “It’s like a ‘surprise box,’” Oz explains. “I never know exactly what we’ll get, so I have to be flexible and creative with the menu, while ensuring that it’s always delicious and nutritious.”
The ASC lunch program has already received positive feedback from members, and the outlook for growth is promising. Volunteers are always welcome to help with the program. For more information, contact Oz directly at 503-468-8176 or email oz@lifeboat-services.org.