For over 53 years, La Comida has provided nutritious meals and vital social connections for local seniors. One in three senior meal programs in the US have a wait list and are no longer accepting applicants. LA COMIDA NEVER TURNS ANYONE AWAY AND THERE IS NO WAIT LIST.
ONE IN EVERY FOUR SENIORS IS FOOD INSECURE
Get to Know Us
Discover what makes La Comida a special place!
Hear the voices of our patrons, volunteers and leadership and discover more about our impact.
Please support our seniors on Giving Tuesday and every day!!
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About La Comida
Taking care of seniors in our community for decades!
The Rotary Club of Palo Alto founded and incorporated La Comida in 1972 as the first lunch program for older adults in the county. Two years later, we received a federal grant through the Older Americans Act to grow our operations. We became the first congregate senior nutrition program in Santa Clara County to manage its program under the auspices of the Council on Aging. We served our first meals in the Parish Hall at the All Saints Church at the corner of Hamilton and Waverley Avenues, then federal and Rotary Club of Palo Alto funds allowed us to equip the kitchen and dining room at the Avenidas Senior Center. Today, we thousands of weekday lunches each year in South Palo Alto’s Stevenson House and in Downtown Palo Alto at the First United Methodist Church.
Our Locations:
Stevenson House
-
455 East Charleston Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306 - (next to Unitarian church)
- Hours: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Downtown Site
(Until Early 2026)
-
625 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301 - Hours: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
New Year’s Eve CELEBRATION
South Palo Alto & Downtown Sites
- 11:00 doors open Meal sevice 11:15 until 12:15
- Special Meal & holiday dessert.
- Lunch is $5.00 and fun is free!
“It is my main meal every day. Hunger is suffering.”
Barbara, diner for 7 years
Our Partners
Our Impact by the Numbers
The Power of Volunteers
Our volunteers are the backbone of La Comida. They help us maintain high quality service so that our diners feel dignified and cared for. La Comida volunteers are high school students, community members, college students, family members and some of our diners. They welcome and check people in, help them get seated, set tables, serve meals, serve coffee and tea, help clean up, provide live music and dance, and engage with our diners to make everyone feel part of the family. Join us as a volunteer once, once a week, once a month, every day – whatever works for you!
"Coming to La Comida for lunch helps me feel healthier and I don’t have to eat alone anymore, I have friends who care about me.”
Judy, diner for 11 years
Become a Volunteer!
SUPPORT SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY
As a volunteer you will nourish bodies and spirits of seniors. Join us in making life for our seniors healthier and happier. You can create vital human creations in the community.
Make a Donation!
HELP END HUNGER FOR SENIORS
With no charge for meals, and only a voluntary $5.00 donation per meal, La Comida helps ensure food security for seniors facing financial hardships. We bridge the gap between hunger and health, creating a vital safety net.
Your support helps us continue our community impact!
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