Seniors press Selma officials over meal quality; council debates keeping Fresno EOC contract

Seniors and council members pressed Selma officials on the quality and delivery of the city-funded senior meal program during public comment at the city’s special budget meeting. The city currently pays Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission under a contract to provide the congregate meals; staff said the budget includes $45,000 for senior meals this fiscal year.

At the meeting, members of the public and councilors said photos of recent meals raised concerns about appearance and acceptability for seniors on fixed incomes. Council members discussed possible fixes that range from asking Fresno EOC to revise menus and improve outreach to exploring alternate providers or in‑house meal production.

"It's almost $8 a meal," the community services director said when describing the city’s cost under the current contract; the director also described a $3 suggested donation and a proposed no‑show policy that would charge the full meal cost after three no‑shows in a month.

Why it matters: Councilors are sensitive to both senior needs and budget constraints. Some urged granting EOC a chance to work with seniors and city staff to tailor menus; others said the city should consider alternatives if senior dissatisfaction persists.

Councilors asked staff to follow up with the EOC board — which staff said was meeting this week — and encouraged off‑line discussions between seniors, EOC representatives and city staff. Staff said they will report any agreements or changes after those conversations and incorporate needed adjustments when the budget is finalized.

There was no formal vote on the contract; councilors left options open to increase funding later or pursue other providers if the EOC and seniors cannot reach a workable menu and delivery plan.