Causes: Food, Food Programs, Human Services, Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers, Seniors

Mission: To provide nutritious meals and safe transportation to senior citizens so that each can remain living independently at home.

Programs: Congregate meals - this program served 691 people a nutritious dinner monday-friday. There were 30,056 meals provided during this fiscal year. Everyone is given the opportunity to confidentially contribute what each can afford for their meal. No senior is refused a meal if they cannot or will not contribute. The only requirement to participate in this program is that a person be at least 60 years of age. The meal is served at a site where the people come together at a central location to share the meal and interact with peers. Throughout the year there are some educational presentations and handouts to help the participants learn and understand healthy aging. Some of the presentations during the past year included demonstrations of age appropriate exercises, making wise food choices, better understanding of medicare part d and where to go for help to choose the best policy for themselves, and tips for keeping leftover foods safe to eat. Home-delivered meals - this program provides a hot meal monday-friday to individuals unable to come to the meal site. During this fiscal year 251 individuals received 31,963 meals that were delivered to their homes. The meals are delivered by paid staff and volunteers. Again, no one is refused a meal if they cannot contribute anything. To receive a meal delivered at home, at least one of the couple must be confined to the home and unable to leave due to health reasons. Transporation services for the elderly - two of the sites provide transportation for seniors. During this fiscal year approximately 19 different people received 1,967 units of service. A unit of service is defined as each time a rider gets off the bus. One person may accrue several units of service during one trip. For example, a rider who gets off at the senior center, post office, grocery store, doctor's office and home would have 5 units of service. The majority of our units of service are for seniors getting off for the noon meal at the congregate dining site. Since the price of gas has increased significantly, we have picked up several riders who just can't afford to operate their car. Again, riders are encouraged to contribute for their ride, but no one is refused service if they cannot contribute. One site has a mini-van that provides trips out of town. These trips are usually to doctor appointments. The longest trip is 125-150 miles and the closest is 50 miles. Most seniors that use the mini-van also make other stops once they get to their doctor appointment. Stops at walmart, shopping malls, etc. Are common as there is very limited shopping in the small towns we serve and virtually no stores in which to purchase items like clothing, household items (like blankets, rugs, etc). Seniors feel strongly about supporting the local businesses in the town where they live, but really appreciate the opportunity to shop for things not available to them otherwise.