Copper Shores shares how a millage could improve access to Meals on Wheels in Houghton County

Out of Michigan’s 83 counties, 78 support local Meals on Wheels programming with a millage. In August Copper Shores hopes residents will want to add Houghton County to that list. Copper Shores has operated a successful Meals on Wheels program since assuming responsibility for the Copper Country Senior Meals program in 2023.

Copper Shores knew the challenge it would take on when it brought Copper Country Senior Meals under its umbrella a couple of years ago. In that short time, the program has been able to reach close to 300 seniors in northern Houghton County and connect with farmers for locally sourced ingredients. A significant factor impacting the program has been the region’s aging population. Especially further away from Houghton and Hancock, drivers need to travel to.

One in five seniors living in Houghton County participate in a Meals on Wheels program. Since the program was started more than 30 years ago, meals on Wheels have been delivered to many seniors. In 2024 the program delivered more than 900,000 meals in its service range. And although the program has reached its limit, the waitlist continues to grow.

The kitchen itself has had to make a lot of improvements as we’ve tried to improve efficiencies or operational throughput. So, we’ve made some investments there as well. But that’s also kind of a challenge because we’re putting all this effort into operations, yet we have all these other capital improvements that need to be done and it’s like can’t necessarily do both at the same time. So it’s created a lot of operational challenges for us as we’ve looked at that program. – Kevin Store, Executive Director, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

Copper Shores Executive Director Kevin Store says since taking on meals on wheels the foundation has funded shortfalls in operational expenses. Which has shifted too much focus onto a single avenue of how the foundation impacts the larger Copper Country and four county area.

The Foundation would continue to commit funds toward the program’s operations and its contractual obligation through the Older Americans Act and partnership with UPCAP. The one-mill rate would raise close to $1.2 million and support the majority of the operational expenses. With Copper Shores’ additional commitments to the program Meals on Wheels would operate with a budget close to $1.8 million.

If the millage earns approval in August the program would eliminate the existing waitlist and jumpstart the program’s reach to southern Houghton County.

So, our wait list got up to at least 70, about 76 people on it, and they were on it for about three to six months. – Kathleen Harter, Program Director, Copper Shores Meals on Wheels

When you start getting into those further-reaching communities, the older population demographic starts increasing where nearly 50 % or more are over the age of 60. And then you start looking at the rest of the demographic makeup. Not a lot of young kids, not a lot of young families in town even to care for those older relatives and whatnot. – Kevin Store, Executive Director, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

Another area of focus will improve access to meet-and-eat sites that offer seniors a space for in-person interactions and fellowship.

They will say it’s like a new family for them. Many of them have lost spouses. And you can get into a routine of staying at home, not getting out. But by getting out, and connecting with other people, somebody cares. Somebody’s checking in on you. You’re able to share stories. You’re able to start laughing again. And just know that when you walk into a room, a group of people is smiling and happy to see you. – Kathleen Harter, Program Director, Copper Shores Meals on Wheels

Throughout July Copper Shores will host public engagement sessions around Houghton County to answer questions about the program and millage. As well as share information about how the millage would improve access to Meals on Wheels and the challenges currently impacting the program.

You can learn more about the Elder Nutrition Millage request here.

Find a full schedule of remaining sessions below.

Monday June 30th:

12 pm Chassell – Chassell Fire Hall 22115 7th Avenue

5:30 pm Toivola – Toivola Recreation Building 41030 Church Road

Tuesday July 1st

5:30 pm Tapiola – Dolle Senior Center 17479 Lake Avenue

Wednesday July 2nd:

5:30 pm Bootjack – Bootjack Community Center 49676 Bootjack Road

Thursday July 10th:

5 pm Laurium – George Gipp Ice Arena 200 Isle Royale Street

7 pm Calumet – CLK Schools Lower Level Commons 57070 Mine Street