Q: Where is lunch served?
A: Lunch is served in the Camden Community Center Multipurpose Room, which is the first building you see as you come in the driveway.
Q: Do I have to become a member of the community center in order to participate in the Senior Nutrition Program?
A: No. There is no membership required, but we do ask you to fill out a Nutrition Program registration form.
Q: What kind of meals are on the menu?
A: A different nutritious meal, including meat, bread or grain, vegetables, fruit, and milk is served each day. Desserts are offered twice a week. The current month's menu is available on this website, as well as in the Camden Senior Program Newsletter. You can find the menus for other City of San Jose Senior Nutrition Program locations on the City's official website.
Q: I don't like the meal offered on a particular day. Can I choose something else?
A: Guests have the option of pre-ordering alternate entrees. Each week, we offer a different selection of alternates, including a vegetarian salad, a vegetarian sandwich, a meat salad, and a meat sandwich.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation in order to attend lunch?
A: Yes. The Camden Cafe is a catered site, so you must make your reservation in advance so the correct number of meals can be ordered. Reservations for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays must be made no later than noon on the previous day. Reservations for Monday lunches must be made by noon the previous Friday.
Q: I forgot to make a reservation. Is there any way I can still come to lunch?
A: Yes. Cancellations may allow you to have the meal on the menu. Also, a limited quantity of frozen meals are available and can be microwaved for last-minute attendees.
Q: Are there any forms I need to fill out?
A: The only thing seniors (60+ yrs) absolutely must do in order to participate in the program is make a reservation and sign next to their names when they come for lunch. There is also a short registration form that we would like you to fill out if you become a regular guest.
Q: How much does it cost to eat lunch at the Camden Community Center's Camden Cafe?
A: The Camden Cafe is a Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program site. Federal, state, and local funding, in addition to donations allow us to offer lunch to all seniors over the age of 60 for a suggested contribution of $3. However, no senior over 60 is ever required to pay in order to participate in the Senior Nutrition Program. Adults under 60, unless they meet certain exceptions, are required to pay $8 for their meals at the Camden Cafe. If you are under 60, you qualify to pay only the optional $3 donation if you:
> Are the spouse of a 60+ senior who attends the program;
> Are a disabled person who lives with and is dependent on a 60+ senior who attends the program.
Q: Do any income restrictions apply to the program?
A: Absolutely not. Individuals of all income levels are welcome. The Senior Nutrition Program is not a welfare program; it is intended to promote the good health of seniors through improved nutrition and social activity.
