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Committee hears proposal to expand Meals on Wheels to veterans statewide via LSS CORE program
Summary
Senate File 18‑93 would add funding to Lutheran Social Service’s CORE program to extend veteran meal delivery beyond the Twin Cities; proponents argued the program reduces food insecurity and can connect veterans to other services in rural Minnesota.
Senate File 18‑93, a bill to provide funding for veteran meal services outside the Twin Cities, was presented to the subcommittee and held over for possible inclusion. Advocates urged an appropriation to scale Lutheran Social Service’s CORE (Casework, Outreach, Referral and Education) network statewide to reach veterans facing food insecurity in rural and mid‑sized counties.
Dr. Christy Janigo, legislative chair for the American Legion Department of Minnesota and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers legislative chair, said the Commander’s Task Force named SF 18‑93 a priority and described CORE as infrastructure capable of delivering home‑delivered and congregate meals, vendor meals and "meals to go," plus case management and behavioral‑health referrals. "Food insecurity is a growing problem among Minnesota veterans," she said, and testified that prior Metro funding addressed Hennepin, Anoka and Ramsey counties but left 84 counties underserved.
Amy Vegert, senior director of meals for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS Meals), described the program’s recent expansion to CORE clients and said LSS served 334 CORE clients in 23 cities in 2024 and delivered 5,811 meals to veterans and their families since April 2024. Vegert said LSS has added frozen‑meal storage capacity at a regional kitchen in Eagle Bend and can scale delivery with additional funding.
Committee members asked about local sourcing, capacity and the interplay with other food‑assistance programs. Vegert said LSS works with local vendors and has production capacity; Janigo noted that CORE referrals can connect veterans to behavioral health, caregiver support, financial counseling and homeless‑services programs. Senator Kunish asked about access to local farm‑sourced food and whether recent federal cuts to food programs would affect service; LSS testified their team can meet current demand and would use funds to sustain year‑round service.
Senate File 18‑93 was held over for possible inclusion in the omnibus package. Proponents said the appropriation would both reduce nutrition‑related health risks and serve as an entry point to veterans’ services for people reluctant to seek help.
