The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is celebrating new support from partners across the region to expand and sustain critical nutrition services for older adults. Thanks to recent grant funding and in-kind support, the Council is better equipped to meet the growing demand for Meals on Wheels and Community Dining programs in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. 

Nutrition programs play a vital role in helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and well-being. Home-delivered Meals on Wheels ensures that those who are isolated or have limited mobility receive healthy meals and a friendly visit from a volunteer. Community Dining locations offer opportunities for older adults to gather, share a meal, and connect with others, reducing the risk of food insecurity and loneliness. 

New funding demonstrates the power of local commitment to aging adults: 

• • In Deschutes County, the Clabough Foundation awarded $7,500 to support the expansion of Meals on Wheels services. 
  • In South County, the Sunriver Women’s Club granted $4,500 to sustain local Meals on Wheels routes serving seniors in Sunriver and La Pine. 
  • In Sisters, a collective investment is helping to keep services moving: 100 Women Who Care Sisters contributed $9,200 to strengthen Meals on Wheels deliveries, and Les Schwab provided a crucial in-kind donation of new tires for the Council’s vehicle serving the Sisters community. 
  • Across the tri-county region, Pacific Power contributed $2,500 toward general nutrition programming, ensuring that more meals reach more older adults where the need is greatest. 

“This wave of support reflects how deeply each community cares about its older residents,” said Cassie Regimbal, Executive Director of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon. “We are grateful to these partners for helping us provide not just meals, but also meaningful connections that allow older adults to thrive.” 

As Central Oregon’s population ages, demand for nutrition services continues to rise. The Council on Aging remains committed to working closely with community partners to ensure that no older adult is left behind. To learn more about Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and other services for older adults, visit www.councilonaging.org or call 541-678-5483.