CATHOLIC CHARITIES SENIOR DINING PROVIDES NUTRITION SERVICES AND HEALTH PROMOTIONS PROGRAMS

January 4, 2018

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ruth Hunstiger
Senior Dining Director
(320) 229-4592
ruth.hunstiger@ccstcloud.org

Trina Dietz
Communications Coordinator
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
320.650.1644
trina.dietz@ccstcloud.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Cloud has received funding under the contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, as part of the Older Americans Act which was enacted by Congress in 1965. This funding has made it possible to offer the services to its Senior Dining/Meals on Wheels Program and Health Promotions Program.

Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Cloud provides the Senior Dining Program in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Pine, Chisago, Mille Lacs, Isanti and Kanabec counties. Currently this service is available at more than 40 locations and their surrounding communities. Service is provided in 49 communities in the 9 counties served.

Senior Dining

The purpose of the Senior Dining Program is to provide for persons age 60 and older, and their spouse regardless of age, the opportunity to socialize and share in a well-balanced meal. All meals provide one third of the recommended dietary allowance. Diners are provided information regarding financial assistance, transportation, housing, health education opportunities and medical needs.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels are available for person 60 and over when homebound by reason of illness, disability, or isolated location. 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 security check. The dining site staff offers information on available resources.

Health Promotions

Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Cloud provides evidence-based health programming which is defined as a program that has been evaluated in two important types of research and shown to have important health outcomes. Catholic Charities Health Promotions Program was shaped in 2008 and established in 2011. Health Promotions programming is currently offered within the nine counties of Central Minnesota. The Health Promotions Program offers an array of classes:

  • Diabetes Self-Management Program
  • Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (An Evidence-Based Self-Management Stanford Workshops developed at Stanford University
  • Living Well with Chronic Conditions (An Evidence-Based Self-Management Stanford Workshops developed at Stanford University),
  • A Matter of Balance™ (developed by Boston University)
  • Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™ (developed by Oregon Research Institute)
  • Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults (Lahey Clinic in MA. and Hebrew Senior Life).

All evidence based programs offered by Catholic Charities, increase the self-reliance and general wellbeing of persons 60 and older by increasing knowledge on the importance of healthy senior nutrition, physical activity, medication related issues and self-determination and utilize goal setting, problem solving and self-monitoring to optimize individual behavior change.

Senior Dining services as well as health promotions are deemed vitally important in promoting aging in place and healthier independent lives for older Americans. The program office is located at 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 200, St. Cloud, MN. 56301. Catholic Charities website location is http://ccstcloud.org/seniordining

Volunteers are the heart of both of these programs and they provide thousands of hours annually. Jobs include kitchen and dining room duties, record-keeping, transportation, meal delivery, health coaches and entertainment.

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Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud. It builds communities, promotes family life, and enhances human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.

Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten September 16, 2025
Our team is deeply committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community for our seniors, and the journey of one special individual exemplifies this mission. Raphael's story began two years ago when he discovered our Senior Dining services at the Whitney Center, thanks to a recommendation from a friend. From the moment he walked through our doors, he found more than just a place to eat — he found a home. Raphael quickly became a cherished member of our Senior Dining community. He was drawn to the warm, inviting atmosphere and the delicious meals prepared by our dedicated Food Coordinator. Raphael often shared how much he appreciated the quality of the meals, a sentiment that echoed throughout his time with us. Beyond the food, it was the kindness and professionalism of our volunteers and staff that left a lasting impression on Raphael. “Such beautiful people,” he often said when talking about his experience with us. It was this sense of belonging that inspired Raphael to give back, and with the help of our Senior Dining Coordinator, he was able to become a valued volunteer. Whether helping in the dining room or assisting behind the scenes, Raphael’s contributions were always appreciated. However, life’s changes sometimes bring new challenges. Recently, Raphael’s schedule shifted, making it harder for him to visit us regularly. Yet, our Senior Dining Coordinator remained committed to ensuring he still received the meals he relied on. Despite Raphael not being initially eligible for Meals on Wheels, our team worked diligently to secure county approval, so he could continue to benefit from this essential service. For Raphael, this thoughtful care reinforced his belief that he is "blessed" to have access to our services. What stands out most for Raphael, however, is the personal touch he receives from our staff and volunteers. “Being greeted by name,” he says, “makes all the difference. It shows that you are valued and appreciated.” These small but meaningful gestures help to foster a strong sense of community and are what make the Whitney Center such a special place. A Call for Volunteers At Catholic Charities, we know that the warmth of our community would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. We are always in need of individuals willing to make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community. If you’re looking for a way to give back, we have opportunities in several areas: Delivering Meals on Wheels Preparing food in our kitchens Setting up dining sites for meals Serving meals to seniors Cleaning up after meals Assisting with clerical tasks These opportunities may vary by location, so please reach out to your local Catholic Charities Senior Dining Site Coordinator to learn more and sign up to volunteer. By offering your time and talents, you can help ensure that more seniors like Raphael continue to experience the sense of community and care that makes our Senior Dining services so meaningful. Thank you for being a part of the Catholic Charities family and for helping us make a difference every day.
By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
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By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.