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.

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At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.
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