City of Chicago Golden Diners Program

More than a meal Chicago’s Golden Diners Program provides an opportunity for seniors (over age 60) throughout the city to interact with the community and enjoy time outside their home.

The program is funded by the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services.

There are about 70 locations covering virtually every neighborhood and providing an assortment of cuisines. If you check out the list you can find Indian/Pakistani, Chinese (in Chinatown), Polish at the Copernicus Center, Korean and Southeast Asian.

Recently the South-East Asia Center at 5120 N. Broadway had a pre-Thanksgiving Asian style luncheon for about 150 area seniors.

The seven turkeys (supplied by the center and donors) were kindly prepared by Sun-Wah BBQ. The now-famous restaurant was recently awarded a coveted James Beard Award for culinary excellence.

There was karaoke and live music performed by some of the seniors who are also regular diners.

Watch the video to experience a little of the festivities.

If you are over 60 years-old, check the list and explore one or more of the Golden Diners Programs in your area or explore the city. The meal is generally free or requires a small pay-as-you-can donation.

The South-East Asia Center is currently serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.

(Story photos and video by Reno Lovison)