Bucksport - Two years ago, RSU 25, the town of Bucksport, and the Bucksport Senior Center joined forces to provide affordable meals to area seniors three days a week.

The program has hit its stride and other communities are taking notice.

"It's delicious, nutritious, and I like the company," said Bucksport resident Barbara Perry. "I'm a widow so I enjoy coming here."

Here is the Bucksport Senior Center on Broadway.

Three days a week, lunch is served and delivered to area seniors for four dollars a meal.

It's done in conjunction with RSU 25 and uses the cooks from Bucksport schools.

The partnership happened after budget cuts impacted the program they had before.

"So we looked at what our local options were to fill a void," said Bucksport Health Planning Director Mary Jane Bush, "Which we felt was an extremely important program which local citizens have indicated that they really, needed this program."

It's done so well, other communities are reviewing what is being done as a possible recipe for success in their towns according to the RSU 25 Food Services Director Glenn Redman. "I know Ellsworth has approached us, and they've come in and watched and seen how we do and our participation and I think they are looking at doing the same thing."

"The bottom line is at least 40 people need to utilize this service in order for us to break even financially," said Bush. "And they have been able to do that."


"Once they've come into the program and see what we offer and the food that we're offering," Redman said. "It's done well, it's kind of taken care of itself."

It's strengthened community bonds, and turned into a family gathering.

"Good for everybody, to get together at least, then they can sit down, and talk, and have a good time, and always have a good meal," said Orland's Pat Bouchard. "I've always had a good meal since I've been here, and when the meal is not good I tell them, so they're gonna know."

It's not just for seniors, the meal is open to everyone, but they would like 24 hours notice if you plan on taking part.

You can call 469-3632 to let them know you're coming.

Bush knows one of the reasons it's working so well in Bucksport "Local ownership by the people who use the service is the key and whether or not that service is the quality that they would like to see and is affordable for the participants, has been key about this program and it really has worked."

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