Catholic Charities - Senior Dining

Senior Dining

Serving Central Minnesota seniors lunch options to match their lifestyle needs

In an effort to help senior citizens live healthy, independent lives, Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program provides low-cost, (or waivered) nutritious noon-hour meals to working, retired, and semi-retired persons age 60 and over by maintaining congregate or restaurant dining sites in 47 communities across Central Minnesota. Mature men and women who want to leave their meal preparation to someone else can choose from a variety of dining options:

All options come with beneficial extras including an opportunity for socializing with individuals of similar ages and interests, plus, the chance to connect with professionals in the seniors services industry who can offer important information, services, or referrals.

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Customer satisfaction high

Year after year diners return to the table at their local Senior Dining site for the good meals and the good times the service offers. Companionship, opportunities to build friendships, nutrition education, and entertaining social events are added benefits to the wholesome meal. Many find that getting out of the house for a daily activity is a great way to remain "young-at-heart".

Diners like Fred* were at first reluctant to use the service, thinking it for "those old people". But Fred soon changed his mind. You can read Fred's story here.

Reserve a place at the table today; no one is turned away.

Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program services are for persons 60 or over, regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, or disability. Partially funded under contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act and administered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St Cloud.

Homebound seniors may access Meals-on-Wheels services

If you are homebound, your meals can be delivered to your home. Contact Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels Program. or call 320.229.4584.

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Concerned about health, nutrition, the future?

It is important that seniors receive the proper nutrition (US Gov't Food & Nutrition Guidelines). Senior Dining hosts monthly Nutrition Clinics to provide education and information about the special nutrition needs that we all face as we mature. Check your local site for dates/times. Typical topics include:

The Salty Truth
Life is Sweet - Artificial Sweetners
For Your Heart's Sake

If you do not have enough food in your home and cannot afford to buy it, it is important that you contact an emergency services food shelf or pantry in your area to supplement your meals. For a complete listing of local food shelves, go here.

It is also important for senior citizens to socialize and avoid lonliness which often leads to feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression. If you would like to speak to someone about persistent "blues", lack of energy to face day-to-day tasks and activities, or about your concerns for the future, please contact Catholic Charities Caritas Mental Health Clinic. We can help with services that are free, on a sliding-fee scale, or insurance payable, depending upon your income level.

Meal sponsorship opportunities available:

You or your organization can sponsor meals for vulnerable seniors in your community. $300 will provide 100 meals for an elderly citizen and help us extend our budget so that we can serve more healthy, nutritious meals to our aging friends, neighbors, parents, and grandparents. Contact us today. go here.

Volunteer opportunities help seniors to stay active

Volunteers to greet, register guests, set up the dining area, bus dishes, assist with preparation, deliver meals, and more are always needed at our Senior Dining sites. Contact us today. Link here.

Catholic Charities
Senior Dining Program
157 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 200
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Ph: 320.229.4584
Fx: 320.253.7464