03/03/2008 DesertArc announced important changes that will provide its clients with better access to the Hot Meal Program provided at its main campus located in Palm Desert. DesertArc is a non-profit agency that serves 630 developmentally disabled people living in greater Coachella Valley. Two hundred seventy clients attend programs daily at the main campus.

Nearly all DesertArc clients are classified as low income. For many, the hot meal is their most substantial meal of the day. Until recently, the entire cost of the program was covered by charges to the clients coupled with a substantial subsidy from the general funds of DesertArc. Served at lunchtime, the charge for the meal was $4.00 per person. While many clients could pay for the meals, some were unable to afford them.

Two actions were taken to increase the affordability and availability of the meals. First, DesertArc rolled back the price such that the meals could be purchased for $2.50. Second, with funding from State Department of Education Nutrition Services Division, DesertArc now offers clients in its licensed programs a free breakfast, lunch and snack by implementing the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

The funding provides about $7,000 per month to DesertArc to cover the cost of the lunches provided for licensed program clients. The combination of these two actions has increased the average daily participation from 60 to 180 clients per day. One hundred three clients now receive free meals paid for by the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

President Christine Murphy comments: “The Board of Directors is thrilled with this new arrangement for hot meals. We have worked with the Chef to provide a healthier menu with less sugar and fats. It is important to realize that until now DesertArc had to bankroll most of the costs for healthy lunches since the programs for which we contract with the State Department of Development Services and Department of Rehabilitation do not pay for the Hot Meal Program. These changes help our clients maintain their health and well-being.”

According Ruth Goodsell, Work Programs Director, the expansion of the Hot Meal Program is a win-win. “We have 13 clients who are paid to work in the kitchen. Not only do they learn important job skills, they each get a paycheck for their work. They take great pride in working here and serving their fellow clients.”

DesertArc, formerly Foundation for the Retarded of the Desert, provides a wide range of programs for its developmentally disabled clients and their families. Programs include transportation, residential services, respite, adult day care, behavioral modification, counseling, social/recreation, job training, job development, job placement, job coaching and skills development. DesertArc is the only agency that provides this comprehensive array of services to the greater Coachella Valley. DesertArc funds it services through a combination of state reimbursements, revenues from its business enterprises, grants and private donations.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program is sponsored by the California Department of Education. The program prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, 1400 Independence Avenue, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call 202.720.5964. USDA is an equal opportunity employer.