Grant funds support Meals on Wheels

Happy Meals on Wheels client receiving a meal, flowers, and a hello.photo provided

Four foundations have stepped up with $20,500 in grants to support the tri-county Council on Aging of Central Oregon Meals on Wheels program. The grants will provide over 4,000 meals to homebound seniors across Central Oregon.

The Meals on Wheels program enhances the quality of life of home-bound individuals by providing nutritious home-delivered meals, personal contact, and related services. It provides nutrition risk screening, nutrition education, and nutritious meals for persons 60 years of age or older who are home-bound because of illness, incapacity, disability, and/or lack of family support. Last year Council on Aging of Central Oregon delivered nearly 100,000 meals across the tri-county, thanks to many senior center partnerships and 400+ volunteers.

“We love all the wonderful work that you do,” said Sharon Smith, president of the Barbara Emily Knudson Charitable Foundation, “and your commitment truly makes Oregon a better place to live. We are pleased to be able to support your Meals on Wheels program.”

Council on Aging of Central Oregon received grants from Barbara Emily Knudson Charitable Foundation, OnPoint Community Credit Union, First Interstate Bank, and Brooks Resources for its Meals on Wheels program.

Brooks Resources awarded $2,500 to support meals for seniors in Deschutes County.

Their mission is to support social services, arts, culture, and education in Bend.

The Barbara Emily Knudson Charitable Foundation awarded $12,000 to the Meals on Wheels program.

Their mission is to promote education, health, and vibrant communities in Oregon.

OnPoint Community Credit Union donated $5,000.

OnPoint believes communities grow and thrive when we all work together to support those most in need.

First Interstate Bank contributed $1,000 to address food insecurity in our older adult population in Central Oregon.

“We are so grateful that these foundations recognize the food insecurity issues our seniors are facing in Central Oregon. Their continued support of our Meals on Wheels program is a vote of confidence that together we can make a difference in the health and well-being of our elders,” said Council on Aging’s executive director Susan Rotella. “These awards will help us meet the growing food insecurity needs this year.”

Central Oregon organizations, foundations, and local residents are welcomed and encouraged to support the Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. To make a donation, visit http://www.council

onaging.org/donate. For more information about resources for older adults, call the Council on Aging at 541-678-5483, visit http://www.councilonaging.org, or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CouncilOnAgingOfCentral

Oregon.