Ottawa County Senior Resources celebrates March for Meals

        In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program – the federal legislation that helps to fund community-based programs like Ottawa County’s home-delivered meals and senior center meal programs – Ottawa County Senior Resources invited Portage Fire District Chief Barrett Dorner and other community leaders to ride along and see the daily effect this program has on the community.
        “The experience was eye-opening,” Chief Dorner said of his ride-along with Senior Resources employee Randy Bahnsen. “To know how many of our community’s seniors count on this program not just for food, but for a chance to chat with the wonderful, friendly drivers like Randy. I had no idea just how many seniors rely on this program each and every day.
        “Five days a week, Randy covers Run 3 of the Ottawa County Senior Resources Home-Delivered Meal program,” Dorner said.” “Today, that was a stop at about 30 households – and more than 30 smiling faces, glad to see Randy, chat with him for a second, and get their meal.”
        More than 1,500 seniors in Ottawa County receive services from Ottawa County Senior Resources. That continues to grow, as more and more older adults face hunger and isolation, both serious problems made even worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
        Senior Resources has been delivering meals to Ottawa County seniors for more than 16 years. In addition to the Home-Delivered Meals program, Senior Resources has six senior centers across the county that provide some type of meal program.
        The program welcomes volunteers to help – drivers, kitchen help and volunteers at the senior centers. Call Ottawa County Senior Resources at 419-898-6459 to sign up or for more information.
        Senior Resources Loves Pets
        Ottawa County Senior Resources Director Dianne Martin Mortensen, M.Ed., CTRS congratulated staff for their efforts in making the Senior Resources Loves Pets program a big success for over the last 12 years.
        The programs success was recently recognized.
        Erika Kelly, Chief Membership and Advocacy Officer of Meals on Wheels America, stated in a letter of congratulations, “On behalf of Meals on Wheels America, I’m pleased to inform you that Ottawa County Senior Resources - Home Delivered Meals has been awarded a Trailblazer Grant, made possible by PetSmart Charities.
         “Our review committee was impressed by your organization’s application and outstanding pet program,” Kelly wrote. “We’re happy to be able to award this funding and thrilled to have you onboard as a Trailblazer Grantee.”
        “Senior Resources continues to remain committed to the seniors we serve and their animal companions,” Mortensen said.