Cranston, RI, July 16, 2019: The YMCA of Greater Providence’s Cranston branch is kicking-off its new Power Lunch program, a summer initiative to help senior citizens battle the heat. The program will provide seniors with a cool, comfortable place to enjoy lunch and, in conjunction with National Grid, the opportunity to receive energy efficiency education and resources to address rising energy costs.
Many seniors are living on fixed incomes and may be struggling with the choice to pay for air conditioning or a healthy meal this summer.
The Power Lunch program is offered every weekday from 11 am to 3:30 pm through the summer months at no cost to every Rhode Island resident 60 and over. YMCA membership is not required.
“Seniors are vulnerable to excessive heat and as we are seeing increasing temperatures with climate change, this is an important issue for our seniors and our community,” said Andrea M. Champagne, Executive Director of the Cranston YMCA. “The Power Lunch program is a great way to invite seniors to the Y to cool off, socialize and also learn about energy-saving programs and take advantage of National Grid’s free energy efficiency education classes.”
“We’re proud to help support the YMCA’s new Power Lunch program,” said Brian Schuster, Director of Community and Customer Management with National Grid Rhode Island. “As summer temps continue to climb, it’s a creative way to help many seniors beat the heat. It’s also a great opportunity to show how communities can come together to be more energy-efficient and for National Grid to help educate our senior customers about the many programs we have available to assist them.”
The Power Lunch program is also made possible through donations from Blackstone Health and BankRI.
“Here at the YMCA, our cause is our community. The Y is so much more than a gym. We can do the most good when we work together, meeting the critical needs of our friends and neighbors,” said Steven G. O Donnell, CEO Greater Providence YMCA. “For seniors, who may find themselves increasingly isolated, the Power Lunch provides a wonderful chance to get together, in a comfortable setting especially on hot days, to share stories, good times and a great meal. We are grateful to National Grid, Blackstone Health, and BankRI for their support of our new Power Lunch program.”
