Senior Dining Provides Curbside Frozen Meal Distribution Across Central Minnesota in May

April 30, 2021

Catholic Charities Senior Dining has organized Frozen Meal Distribution pop-up locations for the month of May across Central Minnesota, with meals for seniors age 60 and over available at 26 locations, including Albany, Askov, Big Lake, Brainerd, Browerville, Deerwood, Foley, Hinckley, Little Falls, Milaca, Mora, North Branch, Ogilvie, Paynesville, Pierz, Pillager, Rush City, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Sandstone, Sartell, Staples and Wadena.


  • Albany: Monday, May 3, 1 to 2 pm — Pondview Estates, 334 Golfview Dr, Albany, MN 56307
  • Ogilvie: Tuesday, May 4, 11 am to 12 pm — Ogilvie Museum, 102 N Hill Ave, Ogilvie, MN 56358
  • Mora: Tuesday, May 4, 12 to 1 pm — First Presbyterian Church, 551 S Wood St, Mora, MN 55051
  • Brainerd: Thursday, May 6, 11 am to 1 pm — Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army, 208 S 5th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
  • Wadena: Thursday, May 6, 1 to 2 pm — Immanuel Lutheran Church, 403 2nd St SE, Wadena, MN 56482
  • Hinckley: Friday, May 7, 10 to 11:30 am — Hinckley Community Center, 102 Dunn Ave N, Hinckley, MN 55037
  • North Branch: Saturday, May 8, 9:30 to 11:30 am — Ruby's Pantry, 4359 392nd St, North Branch, MN 55056
  • Foley: Monday, May 10, 11 am to 1 pm — Foley Area CARE, 321 6th Ave, Foley, MN 56329
  • St. Cloud: Monday, May 10, 11 am to 1 pm — First Presbyterian Church, 340 5th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
  • St. Cloud: Tuesday, May 11, 1 to 3 pm — Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301
  • Sartell: Wednesday, May 12, 9:30 to 11 am — Sartell Community Center, 850 19th St S, Sartell, MN 56377
  • Pillager: Thursday, May 13, 12 to 4 pm — Pillager Area Family Center, 305 Fir Ave, Pillager, MN 56473
  • Milaca: Thursday, May 13, 2 to 3:30 pm — Alliance Church, 12543 MN-23, Milaca, MN 56353
  • Little Falls: Friday, May 14, 10 to 11 am — Little Falls Senior Center, 510 7th St NE, Little Falls, MN 56345
  • Deerwood: Monday, May 17, 11 am to 12:30 pm — Deerwood Auditorium (parking lot), 23770 Forest Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444
  • Askov: Tuesday, May 18, 1 to 2:30 pm — Askov Community Center, 6369 Kobmagergade, Askov, MN 55704
  • Browerville: Wednesday, May 19, 10 to 11:30 am — Browerville Area Food Shelf, 704 N Main St, Browerville, MN 56438
  • Rush City: Thursday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 am — Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 425 S Frandsen Ave, Rush City, MN 55069
  • Sandstone: Thursday, May 20, 1 to 2:30 pm — Pine Habilitation and Supported Employment, Inc. (PHASE), 106 Main St, Sandstone, MN 55072
  • Staples: Thursday, May 20, 2 to 4 pm — Lakewood Health System (Senior Campus by gazebo), 401 Prairie Ave NE, Staples, MN 56479
  • Sartell: Monday, May 24, 8 to 10:30 am — Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pine Cone Rd N, Sartell, MN 56377
  • Big Lake: Monday, May 24, 10 am to 12 pm — Old National Bank (parking lot), 19943 County Rd 43, Big Lake, MN 55309
  • St. Cloud: Tuesday, May 25, 1 to 3 pm — Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301
  • Paynesville: Wednesday, May 26, 1 to 2:30 pm — Green Roof Area Center, 1105 W Main St, Paynesville, MN 56362
  • St. Joseph: Thursday, May 27, 10:30 am to 12 pm — Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 Co Rd 2, St. Joseph, MN 56374
  • Pierz: Friday, May 28, 10 am to 12 pm — Fellowship Bible Church, 12876 MN-25, Pierz, MN 56364

The Senior Dining Frozen Meal Expansion Project started in August 2020 and additional pop-up locations are continually being added. At the time of writing, 26 locations for the month of May are currently scheduled. Visit ccstcloud.org/events for the most up-to-date information. The project is partially funded under a contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act.

These healthy and nutritious frozen meals meet one-third of the recommended daily allowance for seniors, and are packaged in oven-safe containers that are easy to heat and eat in both conventional and microwave ovens. Meals are available in quantities of 10 and up to 30 per calendar month. Participants must be 60 years of age and older to be eligible, and all clients must complete an annual registration form. There is no cost to participate; however, donations will be accepted.

Catholic Charities Receives Minnesota DHS Circle of Excellence Award

In November 2020, Catholic Charities was awarded the Minnesota Department of Human Services Circle of Excellence award, which recognizes six organizations that have partnered with DHS and done an exemplary job of providing food, shelter and other assistance to Minnesotans in need.

The award recognizes that Catholic Charities—specifically, its Senior Dining program—has had to change its model for providing low-cost nutritious meal options for older adults in Central Minnesota during the pandemic. By incorporating frozen foods, developing pop-up sites and partnering with food shelves, including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, the Senior Dining program more than tripled its capacity and has been able to prepare and deliver about 91,000 meals per month, up from 26,000 meals a month the previous year.

About Catholic Charities Senior Dining

Catholic Charities Senior Dining sites have been providing seniors with food during the COVID-19 pandemic with modified quarantine practices. Recognizing that seniors who live in rural communities have limited opportunities for food support, Catholic Charities Senior Dining is partnering with several Central Minnesota locations to offer our frozen meals to pick up in a no-contact, drive-through format.

Catholic Charities Senior Dining, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, has been providing low-cost meal options for seniors 60 and older in Central Minnesota for more than 55 years. The program currently has senior dining sites located across nine counties throughout the Central Minnesota region, offering meals for takeout, pickup and home delivery. To see a list of Catholic Charities Senior Dining site locations by county, visit the Senior Dining section at ccstcloud.org/program-status.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

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


Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten June 16, 2026
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!
By Brittany Hoversten May 26, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to honor the courage it takes to seek support, the resilience people carry within them, and the professionals who walk alongside individuals on their healing journeys. At Granite City Counseling—a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW, embodies that mission every day. Jenny’s path into mental health care began long before she earned her graduate degree. With 20 years of social work experience, she had already spent much of her life serving diverse communities and supporting individuals through life challenges. She graduated from Saint Benedict/Saint John’s in 2004, later pursuing her Master of Social Work to deepen her ability to support others. As part of her MSW training at St. Cloud State University, Jenny completed an internship at the St. Cloud Veterans Administration, gaining meaningful experience supporting veterans and their families. She also worked in higher education, promoting mental health initiatives, and helping students access the care they needed. Before her graduate studies, she served for many years as a Licensed Social Worker, working with a wide range of populations. These experiences shaped her, strengthened her, and gave her a broad, compassionate understanding of the people she serves today. A Person-Centered, Strength-Based Approach Jenny’s practice is grounded in person-centered care and a deep belief that every individual carries strength worth recognizing and nurturing. She incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Motivational Interviewing with a focus on the Stages of Change Mindfulness techniques A strong emphasis on self-care and resilience She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, and challenges related to self-esteem and confidence. Helping people recognize their own strengths and potential isn’t just part of her job—it’s her passion. At Granite City Counseling, she works with individuals from many backgrounds, offering a safe, secure, and welcoming space where clients can share openly—often from deeply vulnerable places. She sees this as a privilege, not a task. Jenny wants future clients to know that they are not just a number. At Granite City Counseling, care is personal, intentional, and rooted in genuine compassion. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and family—especially cheering on her daughter at sporting events. She loves finding great bargains and looks forward to new travel adventures whenever she can. A Message for Anyone Who Is Struggling If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, Jenny wants you to reach out. Support is here, and healing is possible. Visit https://www.granitecitycounseling.com/ or call 320‑650‑1550. You deserve care, connection, and a place to feel heard.
By Brittany Hoversten May 26, 2026
Every July, something powerful happens across Minnesota. Communities come together, neighbors support neighbors, and food shelves receive a boost exactly when they need it most. This year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is once again proud to join the 17th Annual Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge—a statewide effort to strengthen food access during the summer months, when demand on food shelves rises. When school lets out for the summer, thousands of Minnesota children lose access to reliable meals. At the same time, donations to food shelves typically drop. This creates a seasonal gap that leaves many families struggling to put food on the table. The Summer Challenge helps bridge that gap. Through this initiative, participating food shelves—including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf—receive a proportional matching grant based on the funds raised throughout July. That means every gift made this month goes even further, helping us serve more families across Central Minnesota. Last year, Minnesota food shelves reported more than 9 million visits, the highest number ever recorded. Rising food costs and ongoing economic instability continue to push families toward emergency food support at unprecedented levels. As one of the largest providers of emergency food assistance in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities sees this need every day. In 2025 alone, 83 food shelves across the state participated in the Summer Challenge, raising $2.4 million to keep shelves stocked. Grants awarded ranged from $150 to $4,000, depending on each organization’s fundraising totals. This year’s theme—Kicking Hunger Together—aligns with the excitement of the World Cup, reminding us that teamwork, unity, and community spirit can make a real difference. Local Impact: How Your Support Helps Here in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities Food Shelf continues to experience record demand. Participation in the Summer Challenge strengthens our ability to meet this need and ensures families have reliable access to nutritious food all summer long. Every donation helps us: - Keep shelves stocked with healthy, essential foods - Support families facing unexpected hardship - Ensure children have access to meals during summer break - Respond quickly to rising demand in our community Throughout July, your support has double the impact thanks to the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge. Whether you give online, host a food drive, or help spread the word, you’re part of a statewide team working to ensure no Minnesotan goes hungry. Make a gift now at https://wgv.to/catholic-charities-of-the-diocese-of-st-cloud