Agency Description: Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington (CAPRW) Counties provides support to low-income families. Their mission is to "reduce poverty in Ramsey and Washington counties." CAPRW supports families through community engagement and direct services such as Energy Assistance, Energy Conservation, Foundations for Success, Head Start and Early Head Start, and Self-Sufficiency programs. CAPRW is also partnered with the United Way Community.

Project Description: One of CAPRW's community engagement programs is the Senior Nutrition Congregate Dining Program (SNCDP). Under the SNCDP, all persons age 60 years and over and their spouses (regardless of age) are eligible to receive a noon meal in both Ramsey and Washington counties. Although eligibility is based on age, the SNCDP is designed to target seniors with greater economic and social needs (relieving isolation). 

ACET services: In 2008, CAPRW selected ACET to explore the merits and challenges for five alternatives to CAPRW’s existing congregate dining model. Specifically, CAPRW was interested in the feasibility of five alternative models, a forecast of future needs for meal services for older adults residing in Ramsey and Washington counties, a cost-effectiveness analysis of the five alternative models, and the development of a toolkit to improve delivery of SNCDP services from CAPRW. Karen DeYoung conducted interviews with 60 older adults, managers at six of CAPRW’s congregate dining sites, and several of CAPRW’s external partners. In addition, ACET summarized the findings of the study and provided recommendations for future congregate dining programs.

Date of Service: 2008