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By Norma Dittman Senior Dining is a service that provides not only beneficial nutrition, but also a bit of socialization. Slayton Senior Dining Site Manager, Connie Berglund, is encouraging those who may be interested in dining at Slayton Senior Dining, or in registering for Meals on Wheels, to give her a call to learn more about the services that are available.
Berglund, who also manages Westbrook Senior Dining, explained that Lutheran Social Services (LSS), ensures that there are healthy meal options available throughout the state of Minnesota. In the local area, meals are available at Slayton, Tracy, Fulda and Westbrook.
All meal plans are designed by a registered dietitian. The meals are balanced to include the proteins and carbohydrates that meet dietary needs. There are also options for meals for those whose health requires following special diets - such as diabetics, vegetarians and reduced sodium intake.
“The meals are good. They are healthy and tasty. For someone to know what is being served each day, Monday through Friday, they just have to look in the paper for the Senior Dining Menus,” Berglund stated. “Not only can you come to Senior Dining for your meal at 11:30 a.m., but you also have opportunities to enjoy good conversation.. Coming to Senior Dining gets you out and lets you be with other people. Socialization is a benefit to each and every one of us.”
In order to partake of meals at Slayton Senior Dining, the number to call is 507-836-6762. “If someone leaves a message on the answering machine the evening before, or calls even by 9 a.m. that day, I can have a meal ready for them,” Berglund commented.
All diners must fill out a form for dining at the meal site or for Meals on Wheels. The form contains information that is needed for LSS and the site manager to provide the best services possible.
“Meals are paid for through donations. They can cost from $13 down to $7.00 per meal, but no one is denied meals due to an inability to pay. Those who are age 60 and above are eligible to participate in senior dining or Meals on Wheels.” Berglund explained. “Meals are available Monday through Friday. If there is a holiday in the week, frozen meals can be added to their order and delivered prior to the holiday. ”
Meals on Wheels are delivered by volunteer drivers.
“On Thursday, October 9th, there will be a Lutheran Social Services Community Dining Event at the Murray County Food Shelf,” Berglund shared. “Seniors can call me at the Slayton Meal Site to register for the event.”
Ten frozen meals for qualifying clients over the age of 60 who are in need of meals will be available for pickup from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at the Murray County Food Shelf located at 2987 Maple Road, Slayton.
“The cost will be $7.00 per meal, or a total of $70.00,” Berglund said. “Funding for the event is through MN River Area Agency on Aging. Please be sure to call me to register for the Community Dining Event.”
Berglund, who worked for many years as a nurse, began working at Fulda Senior Dining as a kitchen helper two years ago. During October of 2024, she has been the Slayton Senior Dining Site Coordinator.
For Fulda and Westbrook, the number to call for Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels is 507-425-2484.
