The Ordean Foundation has awarded $11,000 to Ecumen Lakeshore to support its Home Delivered Meals program for homebound seniors in Duluth, Minn.

“We’re very grateful for the Ordean Foundation’s support,” said Duane Battisti, the meals program coordinator. 

Battisti said the Home Delivered Meals program runs at a deficit since many participants cannot afford to pay for the meals, and foundation support helps keep the program viable.  He said home delivered meals at little or no cost help many seniors remain self-sufficient and live in their own homes independently.

The program provides more than 15,000 meals annually to low-income seniors who are homebound, handicapped or in rehabilitation, Battisti said.  The meals are prepared by the professional kitchen staff at Ecumen Lakeshore, then packed and delivered by almost 100 volunteers.

The Ordean Foundation has been helping Duluth residents and institutions through charitable giving for more than 80 years. It began in 1933 through the estate of pioneer merchant and banker Albert Ordean, helping families with food, clothing and shelter during the Great Depression. The foundation currently supports a wide range of programs in areas such as social and human service programs, children and you, community development, higher education, health and medical research and arts and culture.