Elm Court Center Meals

Food insecurity is a serious issue among the elderly -- especially those who live alone on a limited income. We see this daily among older adults who live in downtown Portland. Many of them live in resident hotels without access to kitchens and no way to prepare hot meals. Some have confessed to us that they subsist on peanut butter and bananas and look forward to their daily meal at the Elm Court Center. Not only do they know they will receive a hot and balanced meal, they have choice. Our diners may choose from a variety of salads, fresh whole fruit and desserts. Dining at the Elm Court Center provides them with needed nutrition while also allowing them to maintain their dignity.

For homebound seniors who receive Meals on Wheels, the volunteer driver is often the only person they will see on an average day. In the rural areas off of Cornell and Skyline, our clients are often located at the end of long drives and would go compleltely unnoticed if it were not for the Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Betweem Aug. 1 and Oct. 20 of this year, our Elm Court Center served and delivered 19,591 meals to 675 older adults for a total cost of $144,777.

We frequently receive cards and letters from those we serve at the Elm Court Center and here is one we received recently: Thank you for all you do for the elderly in our community!I am 70 years old and have suffered three strokes. My social security is a pittance since I did not work much before I was married. I am widowed now and have very little income. Please accept my thanks for the meals you bring every day. I don't know what I would do without them!