SSP's School House Grill: More Than Just a Meal
October 10, 2024
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There is a small, former schoolhouse tucked back in a neighborhood in Alton, IL that serves the older adult community. Monday through Friday, people come in seeking assistance from its 14+ programs and services, but at the heart of this organization lies the School House Grill. Once an elementary gymnasium, this cafe is open to the public and offers the older adult population specials and meals at fair prices. Adults 60 and older can receive a well-balanced, hot meal on the daily special menu for a suggest donation of just four dollars.
By 7am, the coffee is brewed and the smell of bacon wafts through the air. The front-end kitchen staff greet the early birds coming in for omelets, oatmeal, and pancakes. Friends gather for a bite and chat while they wait for their orders to be brought to their tables. Carol Lord, a School House Grill patron, comes in a couple of times a week to meet with friends for coffee and conversation, saying it's a,"great place to meet with friends and make new ones."
The kitchen is alive and bustling before the sun rises. "We're here early turning the ovens on to preheat for catering while we're prepping the specials for the day and food for Meals on Wheels deliveries," says SSP's Nutrition Manager, Sean Payne. "We work together to ensure we're getting quality food to our catering sites, Meals on Wheels clients, congregate clients, and other visitors of the School House Grill. It's important to have fee-for-service programs like the School House Grill where revenue goes to help support mission-driven programs such as Meals on Wheels and Congregate Dining."
At 11am, the lunch crows comes in. A line forms at the counter and snakes into the hall, but it's not just older adults placing orders. There are professionals on their lunch breaks from local businesses that meet with colleagues, and those that come in to carry out, taking their meal back to the office. SSP staff can also be seen ordering their breakfast and lunch here and appreciate the convenience of a restaurant on-site. "It's easy and convenient to call in my lunch order so it's ready when I take my break," says Hailey Wright, SSP's Quality Improvement & Compliance Coordinator. "The food is great, and I enjoy interacting with people visiting the School House Grill."
Grandkids occasionally join their grandparents- the giggle of a kiddo bringing a smile to those who sit nearby. Patron Troy Smith can be found in the grill almost daily. He enjoys "hanging out with family" here in the Grill, sometimes bringing one of his grandkids to join them. He says the Grill accommodates his needs as an older adult, stating it's a "place to get a good meal," his favorites being fish and roast beef just to name a couple.
The Grill also offers a dedicated space to those who may come in unaccompanied but are looking to socialize and meet new people. The two six-foot tables located near the register are set up specifically for this. Ruth Bell, who is a fan of the beans and cornbread, and often dines with her sister and friends after Spanish Class or Wellness Center classes, believes, "the community table is a great idea!" Ruth is just one of the friendly faces you'll encounter in the Grill. There are many like her who enjoy the connections they have made while dining in-house.
SSP uses this space to hold events and activities, as well. Once a quarter, AARP Illinois presents on topics that affect the older adult population such as fraud prevention. Events like these are free and open to the public and often provide a free meal to attendees. If you come in on a Tuesday and notice it happens to be particularly busy, that usually means free bingo is happening from 1-3pm. Every other Tuesday, SSP hosts free bingo, which is sponsored by a local living facility or organization. Grill patrons come in early to stake out their favorite seat, order their meals, and stay to play bingo for a couple hours after the Grill closes.
The School House Grill has a little something for everyone, even those with a sweet tooth. Not only are there pies and cobblers, but there are often cookies of various types that are made in house by our talented kitchen staff- even SSP staff find them hard to resist! The Grill also has options for those watching what they eat. They serve grain bowls, sandwiches, and a refrigerator stocked with fresh salads. This fall, the grill is offering seasonal items including a soup of the day, perfect for those chilly days to come!
Who knew that the once gymnasium of Thomas Jefferson Elementary would get a second life, becoming home to a restaurant, now serving some of the teachers and children who were once employed and educated within those very halls. No longer are the lunch served up by lunch ladies wielding their ladles. Now, it's just a friendly cafe making a big difference in the community...but you can still drink chocolate milk from a little carton!
The School House Grill is open Monday-Friday and operates between the hours of 7:00am - 1:00pm. To view our full menu, you can visit our School House Grill page 
here. To place a to-go order or with any questions about the Grill, give us a call at 618-465-3298 ext. 100.
Senior Services Plus, Inc.
Senior Services Plus (SSP) is committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable environments for all. With open arms, we strive to foster a sense of belonging where everyone is valued. As a board, as a staff, and as volunteers we welcome the contributions and participation of all people. We recognize and celebrate that everyone has unique abilities, needs, and experiences and we acknowledge the important of diversity in all its forms. SSP is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment, equity of opportunity, and impartiality in access to information and resources for all. SSP is actively engaged in identifying and dismantling racist and oppressive behaviors, policies, and practices to advance justice and create a more inclusive and equitable society.