Terry Murphy, executive director of the Cranston Department of Senior Services, wants those over the age of 60 to know about an affordable lunch option.

“There are many senior centers and senior meal sites around the state where a hot meal is served Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3,” she said.

Check in your own city or town because these meal programs are statewide.

At Cranston Senior Services, 1070 Cranston St., they serve lunch at 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday for anyone 60 or older (or anyone who is disabled regardless of age). A typical menu would consist of soup or salad, a meat, fish or pasta entrÉe, a vegetable, a starch item and dessert. Coffee, tea and water are also served. Recent menus offered brunch for lunch, chicken cordon bleu, sloppy Joes, pork chops and stuffed peppers with sauce. Upcoming meals include red chowder and beer-battered fish for today, the first day of Lent; kielbasa, Swedish meatballs and heart healthy salmon for Valentine’s Day.

“There aren’t many places where you can get a complete meal for $3. It’s not only affordable — it’s also nutritionally well balanced and for many … it is their main meal for the day,” Murphy said.

They also sell cooked entrees such as lasagna, chicken Parmesan, and other dinner items daily.

“They are packaged so an individual doesn’t have to purchase more than enough for themselves which avoids waste and overspending,” Murphy said.

Anyone who would like a menu for Cranston can call (401) 780-6000 or go online to www.cranstonri.com and click on DEPARTMENTS P-Z then SENIOR SERVICES. The menus are on the right.