Charlevoix County C.O.A. on Beaver Island information
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2024 3:49 pm
Hello Friends,
I am Lonnie Allen, the Charlevoix County COA Site Coordinator on Beaver Island. I would like to inform you that new order forms for the COA cold alternative and frozen meals are now available. Meals are priced at $3 each, and orders must be submitted by 10 a.m. on the Friday prior to receiving your order.
We also have order forms for the Beaver Island Community School lunch program. These forms must be submitted to the Beaver Island Community School by 10 a.m. on the Thursday before the lunch is provided. Residents aged 60 and older may purchase 10 meal vouchers for $3 each.
In addition to the school meal vouchers, seniors may also purchase the COA frozen or cold alternative meals at $3 per meal.
Advocating for Fair Meal Programs for Beaver Island Seniors
For the past two years, I have been advocating for alternative meal options (frozen and cold meals) for Beaver Island residents aged 60 and older from the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging (COA). Unfortunately, these requests have been repeatedly denied, with explanations that I believe to be inconsistent and inaccurate.
Recently, as I mentioned in the opening of this letter, the Charlevoix County COA announced they would now offer cold and frozen meal alternatives due to the lack of restaurant participation in the meal voucher program. While I appreciate this development, it is unfortunate that this decision was made reactively rather than proactively. Our seniors deserve equitable meal options without waiting for problems to arise.
It is essential that these newly offered meal options remain available even if restaurants rejoin the voucher program. Blaming local restaurants for their non-participation overlooks the core issue. We must hold the Charlevoix County COA accountable to the commitments they make to our seniors. As the Charlevoix County COA Site Coordinator for Beaver Island, my goal is to ensure that our seniors receive meal options that are equal or at least comparable to those available at the mainland senior centers in Charlevoix, East Jordan, and Boyne City.
One common reason cited for the limited meal options on Beaver Island is the higher cost of providing services here compared to the mainland. I find this reasoning unacceptable. Our island community should not be deprived of proper nutrition simply because of our location. I will continue to advocate for our senior adult population and reject cost as a valid reason for depriving Beaver Island seniors of an equitable meal services.
If you feel strongly about this matter, I encourage you to contact the Charlevoix County COA main office at 231-237-0103 and request to speak with the Director or Assistant Director regarding the meal program. Feel free to ask for documentation or verification of the information provided.
Together, we can ensure that Beaver Island seniors receive the care and nutrition they deserve.
Sincerely,
Lonnie Allen
Charlevoix County COA Site Coordinator for Beaver Island
I am Lonnie Allen, the Charlevoix County COA Site Coordinator on Beaver Island. I would like to inform you that new order forms for the COA cold alternative and frozen meals are now available. Meals are priced at $3 each, and orders must be submitted by 10 a.m. on the Friday prior to receiving your order.
We also have order forms for the Beaver Island Community School lunch program. These forms must be submitted to the Beaver Island Community School by 10 a.m. on the Thursday before the lunch is provided. Residents aged 60 and older may purchase 10 meal vouchers for $3 each.
In addition to the school meal vouchers, seniors may also purchase the COA frozen or cold alternative meals at $3 per meal.
Advocating for Fair Meal Programs for Beaver Island Seniors
For the past two years, I have been advocating for alternative meal options (frozen and cold meals) for Beaver Island residents aged 60 and older from the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging (COA). Unfortunately, these requests have been repeatedly denied, with explanations that I believe to be inconsistent and inaccurate.
Recently, as I mentioned in the opening of this letter, the Charlevoix County COA announced they would now offer cold and frozen meal alternatives due to the lack of restaurant participation in the meal voucher program. While I appreciate this development, it is unfortunate that this decision was made reactively rather than proactively. Our seniors deserve equitable meal options without waiting for problems to arise.
It is essential that these newly offered meal options remain available even if restaurants rejoin the voucher program. Blaming local restaurants for their non-participation overlooks the core issue. We must hold the Charlevoix County COA accountable to the commitments they make to our seniors. As the Charlevoix County COA Site Coordinator for Beaver Island, my goal is to ensure that our seniors receive meal options that are equal or at least comparable to those available at the mainland senior centers in Charlevoix, East Jordan, and Boyne City.
One common reason cited for the limited meal options on Beaver Island is the higher cost of providing services here compared to the mainland. I find this reasoning unacceptable. Our island community should not be deprived of proper nutrition simply because of our location. I will continue to advocate for our senior adult population and reject cost as a valid reason for depriving Beaver Island seniors of an equitable meal services.
If you feel strongly about this matter, I encourage you to contact the Charlevoix County COA main office at 231-237-0103 and request to speak with the Director or Assistant Director regarding the meal program. Feel free to ask for documentation or verification of the information provided.
Together, we can ensure that Beaver Island seniors receive the care and nutrition they deserve.
Sincerely,
Lonnie Allen
Charlevoix County COA Site Coordinator for Beaver Island