Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, out of Moorhead, was able to purchase a freezer, providing additional storage space for frozen meals that are delivered and served to seniors, thanks, in part, to a grant from the Thief River Falls Area Community Fund.
Lutheran Social Service (LSS) served 14,616 meals to area seniors over the year.
LSS Meals on Wheels program is a part of the national Meals on Wheels network. They provide hot, nutritious meals paired with a friendly visit and safety check for Minnesotans aged 60 and older. LSS believes consistent well-balanced meals can help reduce the risk for many health-related conditions.
A resident of Thief River Falls enrolled in the program after she experienced dizziness for months and had several falls. After being urged by her daughter to visit the doctor, her physician recommended she enroll in Meals on Meals after attributing her low blood sugar levels to irregular meals.
“Within two weeks of receiving balanced meals, [her] mood and energy improved, and she stopped experiencing dizziness. Her blood sugar levels also became more stable,” LSS of Minnesota stated in a final grant report to the Thief River Falls Area Community Fund.
According to LSS of Minnesota, the woman’s daughter is grateful for the program, knowing her mother has access to nutritious meals every day and is able to remain in her own home.
To better serve the people and provide, LSS of Minnesota asks all the program participants to complete a yearly satisfaction survey in which they are asked many questions about their health before and after receiving the meal service. LSS of Minnesota also wants to know if the program and social contact have improved seniors’ health.
According to the survey from December 2023:
- 78% of seniors surveyed said the meals and social contact helped them or made it easier to continue living in their homes.
- 75% said the meals helped maintain or improve their health.
- 90% said they would recommend LSS Meals to a friend.
“We felt that we made a significant difference in the quality of life for many seniors in Thief River Falls,” LSS of Minnesota reported.
