Council on Aging of Central Oregon closes 2024 with major grants to support Meals on Wheels, senior nutrition

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is thrilled to announce that the organization has received three significant grants totaling $200,000 to support its Meals on Wheels program and senior nutrition efforts.

These grants will help the organization continue to meet the growing demand for meals and nutrition services among older adults in Central Oregon.

In the last fiscal year, the Council on Aging and its senior center partners delivered 134,471 Meals on Wheels to older adults across Central Oregon, from Chemult to Madras.

Meals are carefully prepared, packaged, and delivered by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers committed to their community. These meals are more than just nourishment, they provide a vital connection to community and resources, supporting older adults in aging well wherever and however they choose.

This critical work is made possible through the support of foundations and individual donations that help bridge the gap in funding from the federal government. At the close of 2024, the Council on Aging was honored to receive funding from the following organizations:

• $100,000 from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund to directly support the operations of the Meals on Wheels program. This foundation, which focuses on improving the quality of life for underserved populations, has long supported initiatives that foster community well-being and independence.
• $50,000 from the Harvest Foundation, dedicated to expanding access to nutritious meals for homebound seniors. The Harvest Foundation is committed to partnering with social service agencies in the Northwest to help older adults live independently.
• $50,000 from the JTMF Foundation, also aimed at supporting the Meals on Wheels program. The JTMF Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations who are working to eliminate diseases, hunger, loneliness and other issues faced by older adults.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of these foundations,” said Cassie Regimbal, Executive Director of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon. “These grants come at a crucial time as we continue to see increasing demand for our services. They will help us sustain our efforts to deliver nutritious meals and personal connections to the older adults throughout Central Oregon who depend on our services.”

To learn more about the Meals on Wheels program and other services provided by the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, please visit www.councilonaging.org or call (541) 678-5483.

About the Council on Aging of Central Oregon
Since 1975, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon (CoA) has served as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, offering adults aged 60 and older and their loved ones a range of support services. CoA advocates for, empowers, and guides older adults and their loved ones to live with independence and well-being. To find out more about the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, visit www.councilonaging.org or call (541) 678-5483.