JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

There are currently no open job announcements.

SODA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

There are no active Request for Proposals.

NEWS AND EVENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No Meal Sites to Close: SODA Announces Transition of Senior Nutrition Program Operations

DURANT, Okla. — The Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) Area Agency on Aging announced that it will assume direct operation of senior congregate nutrition services across its 10-county region beginning July 1, 2026, following a decision by the SODA Board of Directors not to renew its management contract with the Southern Oklahoma Nutrition Program (SONP).

The decision was made after the SODA Board evaluated SONP’s financial capacity to continue fulfilling the obligations of the Senior Nutrition Congregate Meal Program contract. SONP will continue operating the program through June 30, 2026.

Importantly, no senior nutrition centers will be closed as a result of this transition. SODA will continue providing congregate meal services at all 13 senior nutrition sites located throughout the SODA service area, which includes at least one nutrition site in each of SODA’s ten counties.

“Our priority is ensuring that our Senior Adults continue receiving nutritious meals and vital social engagement opportunities without interruption,” said Dr. Steven Mills, Executive Director of SODA. “We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible and anticipate little or disruptions in meal service.”

To facilitate a smooth transition, SODA plans to utilize professionally prepared meals delivered to nutrition sites once or twice each week. Meals will be safely stored and heated daily by on-site personnel who will continue serving participants at local centers.

The new approach is expected to provide additional flexibility for participants by offering menu choices rather than requiring all diners to eat the same meal each day.

SODA serves a 10-county region in Southern Oklahoma and administers programs designed to improve quality of life for older adults and communities throughout the area. The organization will continue evaluating long-term options for program management while maintaining uninterrupted service to senior citizens.