Open Arms of Minnesota Receives $413,000 Grant from Minnesota Department of Human Services to Combat Chronic Diseases or Health Conditions and Food Insecurity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ethan Armstrong
[email protected]
Cell: 320-815-2351
Minneapolis, MN – June 5, 2024 – Open Arms of Minnesota is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a Prepared Meals Grant totaling approximately $413,000 from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDHS). This grant will allow Open Arms to provide essential meal delivery services to individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 who are experiencing chronic diseases or health conditions as well as food insecurity in Wilkin, Douglas, Clay, and St. Louis counties.
Through this initiative, which runs from May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Open Arms will deliver prepared meals directly to the homes of qualifying individuals, ensuring they have access to nutritious food during these challenging times. Clients will be eligible to receive up to 14 meals per week for a duration of up to six months, with new clients being onboarded on a rolling basis throughout the service period.
In St. Louis County, Open Arms is proud to partner with the Lake Superior Community Health Center (LSCHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), to effectively reach and serve the Duluth community. LSCHC will play a crucial role in connecting individuals to the meal delivery program, ensuring that those in need can easily access this vital resource.
Program Details:
- Target Demographic: Individuals aged 18-60 experiencing chronic diseases or health conditions and food insecurity.
- Service Areas: Wilkin, Douglas, Clay, and St. Louis counties (specifically Duluth in partnership with LSCHC).
- Meal Delivery: Up to 14 meals per week per client, shipped directly to their homes.
Logistics and Special Notes:
- Meals will be shipped to all clients, with some ZIP codes restricted to frozen meals to ensure food safety.
- Currently, there are no funds to cover caregiver or dependent meals within this program.
- Special menus, such as the Hmong lunch menu, are not available for shipping at this time.
Open Arms of Minnesota is dedicated to leveraging this funding to alleviate critical illness and food insecurity and improve the health and well-being of individuals in these counties. By partnering with local organizations like LSCHC, Open Arms aims to create a seamless support network that addresses the immediate nutritional needs of the community.
For more information about the program or to find out how to apply, please reach out to Client Services Team at 612-767-7333.
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About Open Arms of Minnesota
Open Arms of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers nourishing meals free of charge to critically ill Minnesotans and their families. By providing food as medicine, Open Arms nourishes its clients and builds community.
