Missoula Aging Services seeks help promoting Bonner congregate meals, explores restaurant-model option

A representative of Missoula Aging Services asked the Bonner Community Council for ideas to increase attendance at the Bonner congregate meal program and said the group is exploring a restaurant-model voucher program with state permission.

The service runs congregate meals in Bonner, Lolo, Seeley Lake and at the Missoula Senior Center; Bonner's in-person meal currently meets at Savior's Lutheran Church and draws a small, recurring group. The Bonner event is scheduled for May 5 and occurs quarterly in Bonner (the presenter clarified it is the first Monday of every three months for Bonner specifically).

"It's for people 60 years and older. It's basically the criteria. It's not even an income criteria," the presenter said, describing the program as promoting socialization and nutrition rather than home delivery for homebound individuals.

The presenter said she has contacted local restaurants about a voucher model in which the program would pay restaurants to provide meals and issue vouchers to older adults, and that the state recently gave tentative approval to explore the restaurant model. She is also seeking wider distribution for paper flyers, partnerships with area churches and other outreach ideas.

The presenter said Missoula Aging Services has started public programming — guest speakers on downsizing and financial security, music events — and invited council members to offer locations for flyers and other outreach help. She asked residents to call Missoula Aging Services to suggest outreach ideas.

No formal action or funding decision was taken at the meeting.