Council Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) joined Kobe Dennis, the YMCA of Greater Providence, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging and her neighbors at Wiggin Village to kick off a new food and fitness program.

“The health and wellbeing of our neighbors is always a top priority, especially in times of a global pandemic. As a community, we must work to adapt to these changing times while staying at our best mentally and physically,” stated Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

Nearly 100 older adults will be receiving twice-weekly meals from now until August, along with exercise bands, fitness instruction, and nutrition tips. Wiggin Village is located in the West End neighborhood of Providence, an area that has one of the largest COVID-19 positive cases in the City.

‘I am so grateful to the YMCA, the Office of Healthy Aging, and the local restaurants who have all worked together to create healthy outcomes for residents in our neighborhood,” added Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

The goal of this program is to encourage a healthy lifestyle among residents throughout the changes that come with social distancing. Currently, the pilot program is prepared to run through August, but may be extended if there is a need and if additional funding is available.