In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are being encourage to remain at home. We want to ensure older adults have adequate access to the food and social contact during these times of uncertainty. The Central MN Council (CMCOA) is providing Federal Older Americans Act and emergency COVID funding to Catholic Charities, Parmely and Lutheran Social Services for meals to older adults 60 years and older in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Pine, Mille Lacs, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Todd, Morrison, and Wadena.
These providers have done a commendable job in revamping their traditional home delivered meals and congregate dining to meet the needs during this pandemic. To reduce exposure to clients, volunteers and staff they have developed a curbside grab and go system that is providing a week’s worth of frozen meals on specified days at designated locations through our region. Home delivered meals for seniors with food insecurity, those that can’t get groceries or are unable to cook meals are also receiving a week’s worth of frozen meals brought to their home with a knock n’ drop method.
During this COVID Pandemic, there is also an escalated need to ensure access to groceries/prescriptions and telephone visiting to older adults who are socially isolated. CMCOA is expanding funding to many organizations to provide grocery/RX delivery and telephone reassurance throughout the region. Please refer to the two attachments enclosed for contact information. These services that are funded through the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Older Americans Act. Individuals over the age of 60, who receive these services are given the opportunity to contribute toward the cost of the services they receive. No one is denied service.
Need further information on resources available to help older adults remain living well at home? Call Senior LinkAge Line®: 1-800-333-2433.
