CATHOLIC CHARITIES SENIOR DINING PROGRAM SERVICE CHANGES

 

St. Cloud, MN (January 8, 2025) — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud receives funding through a contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging. This funding is part of the Older Americans Act which was enacted by Congress in 1965. This funding has made it possible to offer the services it provides through the Senior Dining Program. Catholic Charities Senior Dining serves 14 counties in Central Minnesota and has witnessed firsthand the need for equitable investment in aging services.

 

 

“It will be a challenge to meet increasing needs with dwindling resources,” said Shannon Nolan, Senior Dining Program Manager.

 

Changes to Catholic Charities Senior Dining due to reduced funding include closing the senior dining congregate/satellite locations in Howard Lake, Rush City and Big Lake. Frozen Meal distributions will be discontinued in Mora, Brainerd, Willow River, Hinckley, Little Falls, Rush City, Braham, Staples, Princeton and Long Prairie.

 

Clients have received information with additional food resources available in their community. They have been encouraged to consider county assistance, SNAP benefits, local food shelves, alternative senior nutrition providers, or Mom’s Meals frozen meal delivery.

 

Most rural older adults would like to age in place, but they face significant challenges in doing so. Equitable investment of the Older Americans Act funding is important as rural areas are aging faster than urban areas yet are underrepresented in funding formulas. It is crucial to ensure that older adults in rural areas have access to the services and support they need to age with dignity and independence. Catholic Charities will continue to work with state and funding entities to continue supporting seniors and their health and quality of life.

 

Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves persons who are 60+. Priority is given to low-income seniors who are having trouble with accessing food. In 2023, 389,577 meals were served to 5,354 unduplicated clients. Catholic Charities Senior Dining program provides dignified service to seniors to ensure their health and independence.

 

Congregate dining invites seniors to come together to eat in a setting with other seniors. Diners are provided information regarding financial assistance, transportation, housing, health education opportunities and medical needs.

Home delivered meals are available for people 60 and over when homebound by reason of illness, disability, or isolated location. Many of these seniors are frail and all are no longer able to cook for themselves. Meals on Wheels services are provided at all dining sites if no other Meals on Wheels program exists in that community. The meal delivery provides a friendly visit and a safety check. 

 

Catholic Charities Senior Dining also distributes frozen meals to seniors across a 14-county service area. These meal distributions take place in some rural communities and are served to eligible seniors who are at high nutritional risk but may not qualify for home delivered meals.

 

The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve and enhance human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs. Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more at ccstcloud.org.