CATHOLIC CHARITIES SENIOR DINING PROVIDES NUTRITION SERVICES AND HEALTH PROMOTIONS PROGRAMS
January 4, 2018
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ruth Hunstiger
Senior Dining Director
(320) 229-4592
ruth.hunstiger@ccstcloud.org
Trina Dietz
Communications Coordinator
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
320.650.1644
trina.dietz@ccstcloud.org
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Cloud has received funding under the contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, as part of the Older Americans Act which was enacted by Congress in 1965. This funding has made it possible to offer the services to its Senior Dining/Meals on Wheels Program and Health Promotions Program.
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Cloud provides the Senior Dining Program in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Pine, Chisago, Mille Lacs, Isanti and Kanabec counties. Currently this service is available at more than 40 locations and their surrounding communities. Service is provided in 49 communities in the 9 counties served.
Senior Dining
The purpose of the Senior Dining Program is to provide for persons age 60 and older, and their spouse regardless of age, the opportunity to socialize and share in a well-balanced meal. All meals provide one third of the recommended dietary allowance. Diners are provided information regarding financial assistance, transportation, housing, health education opportunities and medical needs.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels are available for person 60 and over when homebound by reason of illness, disability, or isolated location. Meals on Wheels services are provided at all dining sites if no other meals on wheels program exists in that community. The meal delivery provides a friendly visit and a security check. The dining site staff offers information on available resources.
Health Promotions
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Cloud provides evidence-based health programming which is defined as a program that has been evaluated in two important types of research and shown to have important health outcomes. Catholic Charities Health Promotions Program was shaped in 2008 and established in 2011. Health Promotions programming is currently offered within the nine counties of Central Minnesota. The Health Promotions Program offers an array of classes:
- Diabetes Self-Management Program
- Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (An Evidence-Based Self-Management Stanford Workshops developed at Stanford University
- Living Well with Chronic Conditions (An Evidence-Based Self-Management Stanford Workshops developed at Stanford University),
- A Matter of Balance™ (developed by Boston University)
- Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™ (developed by Oregon Research Institute)
- Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults (Lahey Clinic in MA. and Hebrew Senior Life).
All evidence based programs offered by Catholic Charities, increase the self-reliance and general wellbeing of persons 60 and older by increasing knowledge on the importance of healthy senior nutrition, physical activity, medication related issues and self-determination and utilize goal setting, problem solving and self-monitoring to optimize individual behavior change.
Senior Dining services as well as health promotions are deemed vitally important in promoting aging in place and healthier independent lives for older Americans. The program office is located at 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 200, St. Cloud, MN. 56301. Catholic Charities website location is http://ccstcloud.org/seniordining
Volunteers are the heart of both of these programs and they provide thousands of hours annually. Jobs include kitchen and dining room duties, record-keeping, transportation, meal delivery, health coaches and entertainment.
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Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud. It builds communities, promotes family life, and enhances human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.
Our Recent News
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!
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.
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
