We are pleased to announce that the coalition’s request to update and clarify language in Minnesota’s Senior Nutrition Program is on its way to Governor Walz to be passed into law.
The new statute will include modernized language, improve efficiency in service delivery and provide greater flexibility for innovative solutions to address senior nutrition needs. The updated language will expand the types of partnerships providers can create to serve older adults and would allow providers to offer not only prepared meals but also fresh produce, food boxes, meal kits and other delivery methods. You can find the text of the policy changes here (beginning at line 56.19).
“This is an important step forward in helping meet the needs of older adults throughout Minnesota,” said Stacy Lund, Senior Meals and Services Coalition Co-Chair and Director of Food Access for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. “It paves the way for creative partnerships that will help keep older Minnesotans healthy and fed.”
We are grateful to our policy bill authors for championing older adult nutrition:
- Senator Erin Maye Quade
- Senator John Hoffman
- Senator Zaynab Mohamed
- Representative Peter Fischer
- Representative Bianca Virnig
Thanks to all coalition members who spoke up on behalf of older adults across Minnesota to make this change possible. Your voices and advocacy make a difference.
As the 2026 Legislature comes to a close, the Senior Meals and Services Coalition is busy planning outreach to lawmakers leading up to the 2027 legislative session. Please stay tuned for updates and ways you can support the coalition’s efforts in the coming months.
In partnership,
Senior Meals and Services Coalition