Posted 2/28/01
March will mark the 27th year of the North Branch Nutrition Program
March 29, 1974 was the beginning of the North Branch Nutrition Program so the folks will soon be celebrating 27 years of good food and fellowship.
The Nutrition Program is one program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. The administrator was Rev. Richard Leison and Linda McDunn was the Director of the program.
In 1974, Catholic Charities secured a grant from the Government Council on Aging. The dining program was designed to provide the elderly (60 years plus) with a daily nutritious meal and companionship. The donation for the dinner was about fifty cents. Sister Gertrude Brixious was coordinating food schedules for Region VII, which included Chisago and Isanti counties.
Despite the lack of facilities and cramped conditions, it became a happy and pleasant center. The center was located at 7th and Maple Street downtown North Branch. The building was Kurt Klundís which he so generously rented for $60/mo.
The ladiesí and mensí rest rooms were shared by all - even the dairy men.
In the winter, the building would register 10 warmer than the outside. In the summer it would be 10 cooler. But it had no stairs to walk up and it served the purpose.
The kitchen had no shelves. A few were installed. They were adequate but crowded.
Soon there were some appliances purchased. A large freezer chest was kept in Klundís Dairy. It was always filled to the top when the cook needed some frozen items from the bottom. The sink was small - but with hot and cold running water - in which the kettles and silverware were washed.
The four small tables, which seated 40 people, were always occupied. They were set and re-set for each meal.
While some were eating, others were waiting to be served. Those who had already eaten, were ěcontentedly burping or napping in the chairs along the walls or under the hanging coats.î
The receptionistís desk was an old table with one drawer. It was enclosed with a Maytag cardboard box. Edith Noyd was the first receptionist and then Violet Massie. Later, in December 1975, Alma Nelson was hired as Activity Director.
The main appliance was the big black, gas burning cook stove. It generally helped to heat the room both winter and summer. There was no air conditioning.
Evelyn Ostertag was hired as cook, but for two weeks prior to her job, Ruby Edstrom and Violet Fisk cooked with volunteers. Edith Noyd, Elvie Skoog and Anna Green assisted with meals, washing kettles and setting tables. Paper plates were used then.
Basil Grissman was hired to deliver the federally funded groceries and also to remove the garbage. Basil was also the one who moved the nutrition site to the Trinity Parish Hall on March 28, 1976. This was necessary to continue the program due to larger crowds and government regulations.
There have been a lot of activities added in the past 10 years such as trips, parties, picnics, dances, entertainment and health programs.
Rev. Shields was an enthusiastic promoter with the senior citizens. He will long be remembered for all his donated hours. There are many others who have contributed in different ways that should be remembered. It would be difficult to name them all and not leave someone out.
In Sept. 1982, the site was moved (by the North Branch firemen) to the present multi-purpose building. The first meal was served here on Sept. 29, 1982. Donations were approximately $1. We served an average of 65, up to 110 on special days, including 10-16 take outs per day.
In March of 1984, Jean Anderson was the cook and Alma Nelson the site coordinator. The Nutrition Program was doing a good job of taking care of area seniors...
2001 - from the chart below you can see that the program continues to be popular and to grow. Meals are now being served at three locations in the county.
They are served at noon each day at the Chisago County Multi-Purpose Senior Center, North Branch; the Rush City Community Center, and the lower level of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lindstrom.