Copper Shores Meals on Wheels congregate sites are getting a name change. Moving forward the congregate meal program will be known as Meet & Eat. Not only is it important for seniors to get proper nutrition, but to socialize with peers and activate the parts of the brain that regulate mental health. The Meals on Wheels Meet & Eat sites offer a place to achieve both of these and have become a staple in many seniors’ routines.

“Meal time gatherings, whether at a restaurant or a dinner table, are an important social connection where people laugh, share stories and ask about each other,” Meals on Wheels Program Director Kathleen Harter said. “Sometimes, the sharing of food or a meal experience happens in an impromptu location like at a picnic table, while fishing, or along a trail. As people age, such experiences occur less often and people become more socially isolated. That's where Meet & Eat becomes important and vital to the health and well-being of area seniors. Join us at one of our five Meet & Eat locations and experience the warmth and joy of sharing a meal with newfound friends.”

At the beginning of 2024, Copper Shores asked community members to partake in a naming contest. The foundation was delighted to see dozens of submissions, which made the decision difficult. Ultimately the quick and catchy name, suggested by Kara Galbraith, encapsulated the purpose and the benefits of gathering together over a meal. 

The services provided at Meet & Eat will remain the same, just with a fresh name and look. It is the hope of Meals on Wheels that Meet & Eat will resonate with more people, and make the purpose of the service more clear. Seniors come for the food, but stay for the friendship. With Meet & Eat, local seniors have the opportunity to get a little movement and a lot of laughter. The time spent at Meet & Eat is not only good in flavor and nutrition, but a great way to fight isolation and loneliness.

Meet & Eat takes place at a variety of locations across Houghton and Keweenaw counties. For those who are able to drive, there are plenty of options and one sure to be close to home. Meet & Eat is held Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. in Calumet (Park Avenue Apartments; 1 Park Avenue), Mondays and Wednesdays at noon in Chassell (Chassell Fire Hall; 22115 7th Street), Monday through Friday at noon in Hancock (Lakeview Manor; 1401 W. Quincy Street), Tuesday at noon in Lake Linden (Maple Lane; 210 Calumet Street) and Monday through Friday at noon in Mohawk (Keweenaw Pines; 3183 US Highway 41).

Anyone can attend Meet & Eat. Those over 60 years of age are especially encouraged to attend. For participants 60 years and older, meals are free of charge, with a suggested donation of $8. For those under the age of 60, meals are $13. To receive a meal at Meet & Eat, be sure to call the Meals on Wheels office at least 24 hours in advance so they can send food to the correct site. The office can be reached at 1 (906) 483-1155 or mealsonwheels@coppershores.org.

To keep Meet & Eat exciting and enriching, volunteers occasionally give their time, and talents. In the past Meet & Eat has hosted musicians and artists, to liven up a regular day, or lead a fun activity. To see volunteer opportunities at the Meet & Eat sites, visit coppershores.org/volunteer. These sites wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of community donors, if you would like to show your support of Meet & Eat you can make a donation at coppershores.org/mealsonwheels.