In 2025, Catholic Charities Senior Dining funding is being reduced by more than 108,000 meals and $420,000. This reduction in funding is significant and as a result has impacted the operation of the Senior Dining program.
“It will be a challenge to meet increasing needs with dwindling resources,” said Shannon Nolan, Senior Dining program manager.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud receives funding through a contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging. This funding is part of the Older Americans Act which was enacted by Congress in 1965. This funding has made it possible to offer the services it provides through the Senior Dining Program. Catholic Charities Senior Dining serves 14 counties in Central Minnesota and has witnessed firsthand the need for equitable investment in aging services.
Changes to Catholic Charities Senior Dining due to reduced funding include closing the senior dining congregate/satellite locations in Howard Lake, Rush City and Big Lake. Frozen Meal distributions will be discontinued in Mora, Brainerd, Willow River, Hinckley, Little Falls, Rush City, Braham, Staples, Princeton and Long Prairie.
Clients have received information with additional food resources available in their community. They have been encouraged to consider county assistance, SNAP benefits, local food shelves, alternative senior nutrition providers, or Mom’s Meals refrigerated meal delivery.
Most rural older adults would like to age in place, but they face significant challenges in doing so. Equitable investment of the Older Americans Act funding is important as rural areas are aging faster than urban areas yet are underrepresented in funding formulas. It is crucial to ensure that older adults in rural areas have access to the services and support they need to age with dignity and independence. Catholic Charities will continue to work with state and funding entities to continue supporting seniors and their health and quality of life.