LSS of MN celebrates 10 years of providing food and fellowship to older adults in New Ulm

New Ulm Meals on Wheels seeking more volunteers

This time of year, most of us begin to focus on what we are grateful for in our lives. Right now in New Ulm, many older adults and their families are giving thanks for a decade of services from Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s (LSS) Senior Nutrition. 

Ten years ago, LSS’ services to ensure food and fellowship for older adults expanded to Brown County. The expansion was a direct response to the growing nutritional and social needs of adults, age 60 or older, facing challenges in living safely and independently. Today, hundreds of older adults are living healthier and longer lives because of home-delivered meals and friendly visits from community volunteers.

“Through the last decade, we’ve greatly appreciated the support from volunteers and community partners that have helped us grow our services for older adults,” said Sarah Anderson, assistant director for LSS. “It is our hope that through our services, older adults who are isolated and feel more alone will be able to remain in their own homes and an important part of their community for many years to come.”

In 2007, LSS entered into a partnership with the New Ulm Medical Center and local program, Dinners for Shut-ins, to take over management of the New Ulm Meals on Wheels program.  The change meant LSS could help even more older adults in rural Minnesota get the nutritional support they need. When LSS began providing home-delivered meals in New Ulm, just 65 older adults were receiving meals. Today, more than 120 meals are delivered each day.

Meals on Wheels volunteers greet older adults who rely on delivery to get a fresh, hot meal. The weekly, sometimes daily, visits lift their spirits and help older adults stay connected to their community. Plus, family members gain peace of mind from knowing that someone is checking on their loved one. 

The New Ulm Senior Nutrition kitchen has added meal sites in Comfrey, Butterfield, Sleepy Eye, Springfield and St. James. Now, LSS is looking for more caring volunteers to deliver meals and friendship to older adults. Visit http://lssmn.org/oa/homedelivered/ to learn more about helping to ensure older adults remain happy, healthy, and an important part of our community. 

LSS Senior Nutrition is funded under contract by the Area Agency on Aging with funding from the Older Americans Act through the Minnesota Board on Aging. Additional funds are provided by the State of Minnesota, United Way, local communities, LSS of MN and contributions from participants.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota began in 1865 when a Lutheran pastor and his congregation opened an orphanage for children near Red Wing. Today, with 2,300 employees and 8,000 volunteers, Lutheran Social Service helps one in 65 Minnesotans each year live and work in a community with safety, dignity, and hope. Through a wide range of services, the organization seeks to provide safety and supportive homes for children, counseling to restore health and wellness in families, community living for people with disabilities, and options that help seniors experience independence and abundant aging. For comprehensive information about the work of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, please visit www.lssmn.org.