Tualatin staff propose new lunch program at Juanita Pohl Center; council asked to add $40,000 to FY26 budget

Recreation staff proposed a new congregate lunch program at the Juanita Pohl Center to replace reduced services from Meals on Wheels People, asking council to include funding in the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget adoption.

Julie Ludeman, recreation manager, and Sarah Shepherd, Juanita Pohl Center supervisor, told council that Meals on Wheels People will continue homebound delivery but will end congregate meals at the Juanita Pohl Center beginning July 1; staff presented four options and said their preferred near-term option is a contracted catering provider operating at the center.

Why it matters: Congregate meals at the center provide both nutrition and social engagement for older adults. Staff said the in-house/catered model would allow the city to continue meals at the…