Nestled at 132 49th St. S., a humble initiative is making a monumental difference for local seniors. ProducePac, part of the nonprofit Saving Our Seniors founded by Kelli Casto, has turned a passion for helping others into a thriving mission to feed, support and uplift the elderly. Through ProducePac—the nonprofit’s funding arm—Casto and her team are nourishing thousands of seniors while ensuring no produce—or potential—is wasted.
What started as a simple produce-delivery service during the height of COVID-19 has blossomed into a multi-faceted operation. “A lot of organizations have qualification limits,” Casto explains, “but here you can just be a senior and get help.” And help is precisely what they provide.
The storefront not only offers fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables but also directs 100 percent of cash and credit card sales to fund free markets at mobile home communities, senior centers and churches. These markets serve anywhere from 200 to 500 seniors at a time, connecting them with the sustenance and dignity they deserve…