The mission of Senior Citizens of Patagonia, incorporated in November 1989, is to provide hot and nutritious meals five days a week to senior citizens and people with disabilities who live in the Patagonia, Sonoita, Elgin and Canelo districts, and to provide transportation to medical and dental visits. All its services are on a donation basis. Senior Citizens of Patagonia is also the recipient of a grant from Delta Dental of Phoenix, AZ which helps pay the dental costs for low-income seniors. The meal program began in 2014. Take-out meals are provided at the front door from 11:30 to 12:15 pm. In-house dining is from 12:15 to 1:30. We now average 50+ meals per day. All meals are planned, prepared, provided, and served in accordance with the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Aging and Adult Services. 

These menus are approved by a registered nutritionist. South East Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) funds half the cost of the meal services. The other half comes from foundation grants, individual donations, and volunteer in-kind hours.

There are 171 clients who renew their registrations yearly. In 2020, there were over 9,100 meals served, which are provided to any individual who meets the eligibility requirements. The commercial kitchen is licensed yearly by the Santa Cruz Health Department, and all the food helpers are vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The transportation program began in 2003. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles funds half the cost of the expenses. The other half comes from foundation grants, individual donations, and volunteer driver and administrative hours.

In 2019 volunteer drivers drove 36,242 miles with 504 passengers and 1,728 volunteer driver hours. In 2020 (during the coronavirus pandemic), they drove 24,199 miles with 373 passengers and 1,109 volunteer driver hours. Presently due to COVID, there are few drivers. Those wishing to be volunteer drivers should call the Senior Center. There are two vehicles stationed in Patagonia and one vehicle stationed at the fire department in Sonoita.The vans typically go to Nogales, Sierra Vista, Green Valley and Tucson.

The senior center’s phone number is 520-394-2494 and its website is https://seniorcitizensofpatagonia.org/