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Meals on Wheels of Ramsey County

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Monthly Resource Updates


Tuesday, November 5th, is Election Day!Ā 

Go to mnvotes.govĀ for all your voting information.Ā 


Need help voting?

There are many ways to get help when you vote. You can bring someone to help, ask an election judge, use a machine to help you mark your ballot or even vote from your car.


Print a Fact Sheet on this topic:


Need a ride to the polls?

LimeĀ is offering free rides to vote early starting on Vote Early Day (10/29) and running through Election Day (11/5). Lime scooters and e-bikes will be available for free using the following code: VOTE2024

UberĀ is offering discounted rides: https://www.uber.com/newsroom/vote-2024/

Lyft is offering:

  • Discounted rides to the polls on Election Day across the country.

  • Donated free or heavily discounted ride codes to nonprofit partners whose communities traditionally face barriers getting to the polls.Ā 


NEWTRAX CIRCULATOR BUSES EXPAND ROUTES

Newtrax now has several weekly bus route loops in the northeast area of the Twin Cities. The circulator loops are regularly scheduled transportation that cover specifically chosen stops within a community to assist loop riders with their regular needs and entertainment such as shopping, dining, and socializing. The loops pick-up and drop off at local senior communities and facilities for various shopping, dining destinations and more. For more info: (651) 789-6221 or Ā https://www.newtrax.org/community-bus-loops


CELEBRATE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

National Institute on Aging is offeringĀ 


The Caregiverā€™s Handbook


Explore this guide to getting started with caregiving, finding support, and taking care of yourself.



Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7

Medicare can be complicated and itā€™s important that you get the coverage that's right for you. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is an opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to review and make changes to their Medicare plan for 2023. Get started by visiting medicare.govĀ to preview plans. Call the Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433, M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm, for free, unbiased assistance in finding the right plan for you. Or visit Trellis websiteĀ to schedule a phone or in-person appointment or register for an information session.Ā 


A CHANGE TO SOCIAL SECURITYā€™S SSI INCOME REPORTINGĀ 

A change to Social Security applicationsĀ went into effect at the end of September.

About 70 million people receive Social Security paymentsĀ every year, with some qualifying for Supplemental Security IncomeĀ (SSI) if they're disabled or senior AmericansĀ who meet certain eligibility requirements.Ā 

One of the eligibility requirements stipulates thatĀ Americans cannot earn more than $1,971 in income per month to qualify for the payments. However, that rule is changing slightly. Starting September 30, 2024 food benefits are no longer considered in the eligibility income for SSI.Ā 

That means programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will no longer be able to bar an individual from getting Social Security payments.

SOME VETERAN RESOURCES


VETERANS - Get Your Free Vaccine at VA or Retail Pharmacies

Respiratory illness season is approaching. Vaccines can help protect from flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), COVID-19, and pneumococcal pneumonia. These vaccines are available free of charge to Veterans receiving care at VA. To locate a VA medical facility, in-network urgent care or retail pharmacy near you, use the VA locator.

If you donā€™t receive VA health care and are interested in applying, you can learn more about eligibility and benefits.


Two new resources for veterans from AARP:


Free help to navigate VA home modification benefits

Most (60%) Veterans 45 and older are unaware that VA provides grant funding for home modifications, and almost a quarter of Veterans say they need financial assistance to modify their homes to continue living there. ā€‹ā€‹To help Veterans and their caregivers, AARP created the free Veterans Home Benefits GuideĀ to assist them in navigating the numerous programs offered by VA. The guide aims to help Veterans:ā€‹

  • Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply for VAā€™s home modification grants and related programs.Ā 

  • Determine which home modifications are applicable to current and future care needs.Ā 

  • Identify how to get help from certified Veteransā€™ representatives who have experience and knowledge of VAā€™s process for awarding benefits.Ā Ā 

To learn more about grant eligibility and how to apply for VAā€™s Specially Adapted Housing and home modification grant programs, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.

2024 THANKSGIVING GROCERY & MEAL RESOURCES

for Ramsey County ResidentsĀ 

(as of November 4, 2024)


$35.00

  • LOCAL Whole Turkey - Ferndale - 10-12lbs

  • LOCALĀ Chicken Drums - Kadejan - 1.25lb

  • Sage Pork Sausage - 1lb

  • Italian Meatballs - 16oz

  • Green Beans - 12oz

  • Pumpkin Pie - 24oz

  • Produce Pack for $10 includes: LOCAL Russet Potatoes - 5lb, Onions - Yellow 2lb, Yams - 3ct, Apples - Fuji - 3ct, Pears - Bartlett - 3ct, Celery - 1lb, Carrots - 1lb


Ramsey County locations include:Ā 

St. Paul-West 7th Community Center - Nov. 1, 10-12pm,Ā 

Roseville-Real Life Church - Nov. 12, 3-5pm,Ā 

Maplewood- Redeeming Love Church - Nov. 11, 3:30-5:30,Ā 

White Bear Lake-Community of Grace - Nov. 10, 10-3pm, andĀ 

Oakdale-Grace of God Lutheran - Nov. 18, 3:30-5:30.


  • White Bear Area Food Shelf Give a Gobble:Ā Every year local businesses and neighbors come together to provide our community with turkeys and all the essentials needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

2024 Distribution Dates

Monday, November 25, 1:00 PM ā€“ 7:00 PM

Tuesday, November 26, 11:00 AM ā€“ 5:00 PM

Registration will open November 11.Ā  Check the website for a link to register on or after November 11:Ā  www.whitebearfoodshelf.orgĀ 


  • FOCUS MinnesotaĀ at 550 Rice Street, Saint Paul, is offering Thanksgiving groceriesĀ at their Food Shelf onĀ Saturday, November 23, 10:00-11:30 am to the first 100 and a prepared Thanksgiving DinnerĀ on Sunday, November 24,Ā from 5:00pm-until they run out of food. Open to anyone in need. For more information: (651) 222-0712.



ADDITIONAL FOOD RESOURCE UPDATES for November


  • Keystone Community Food Center, 1800 University Ave, St. Paul,Ā will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, and Nov. 29.Ā  Their regular food shelf hours are Mon-Fri 10-12 and 2-4, except Wed 4-7pm. Keystone also offers mobile markets and grocery delivery to select neighborhoods in St. Paul. Call 651-917-3792Ā  for more information.


  • Loaves & FishesĀ offers dinner meals.Ā Click on each location for more information or to volunteer.Ā 

St. Paul sites:

422 Dorothy Day Place, Every day: 4:30 to 5:15 PMĀ 

2708 33rd Ave. N, 2nd Thursday: 5:00 to 6:00 PM, in-person meal

1390 Larpenteur Ave E, Wednesday: 5:30 to 6:30 PMĀ 


  • Merrick Community Services Food ShelfĀ serves residents of the East Side of St. Paul and Maplewood. Located at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St. N, St. Paul with both drive-thru and in-person shopping. There will be no Thanksgiving baskets this year but the food shelf will be open normal hours on Monday-Wednesday and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. Call 651-287-2088.

1669 Arcade St, St. Paul

Drive Through Only Hours, Door 2A: Mondayā€™s 3-5pm and Tuesdays 10-noon

In Person Shopping Only Hours, Door 3:Wednesdayā€™s 10-Noon and Thursdayā€™s 10-Noon


  • Neighborhood HouseĀ has two food market sites:Ā 

    • Wellstone Center (179 Robie St., appointments only, call 651-789-3602)

      Wellstone Center is a NAPS distribution site. NAPS (Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors) is a monthly box of supplemental food commodities for people over age 60 and fit eligibility requirements. Seniors pick up their food box once per month, or can arrange for a home delivery if homebound. If you think you may be eligible or know someone who may require assistance, please contact Second Harvest Heartland: 651-484-8241.Ā Ā 

    • Neighborhood House on Montreal (1080 Montreal, open Mon-Wed, no appointment needed, call 651-789-3600 for more info.)


  • Open Cupboard:Ā Offers an indoor shopping market and delivery to unable to shop in person and living in select zip codes. Check the website for more info.Ā 651-233-1296

Todayā€™s HarvestĀ location:Ā 8264 4th St North, Oakdale, MN. No appointment needed.

Monday ā€“ Friday 10:30am ā€“ 6pmSaturday 10:30am ā€“ 2:30pm

The market is open to anyone in need of food and is designed to provide a 1-2 day supply of food during each visit. Households are welcome to shop as often as needed.


  • Ralph Reeder Food Shelf,Ā Mounds View Public Schools,Ā serving residents of the Mounds View Area School District.Ā Call 651-621-6280 for more information.Ā 

Appointments required for curbside and inside shopping: Mon-Fri and Tues evening.


White Bear Area Food Shelf is open to everyone - Regular Food Shelf Hours:


RAMSEY COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES

Older adults and caregivers can find out about eligibility for other senior services through Medical Assistance / Elderly Waiver and other services by submitting an online MnCHOICES assessment request.

FREE INSULIN

Free insulin will be available in nine clinics across the state as part of a legal settlement with the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly:Ā 

In St. Paul:

  • Minnesota Community Care: 651-602-7500

  • St. Mary's Health Clinics: 651-287-7777

  • United Family Medicine: 651-758-9500

Check with the clinics about availability and eligibility.

If you canā€™t get free insulin in a city near you, you can buy a month's supplyĀ of Sanofi and Eli Lilly products for $35.Ā 


Visit The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net ProgramĀ for more information.


MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK, OCTOBER 6-12

In 1990, Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMIā€™s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined NAMI in the effort to educate the public about mental illness. NAMI MN has prepared the attached handout of Crisis and Mental Health Resources.Ā  Please feel free to distribute widely. You may help save a life in more ways than one.


988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is in danger, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for support.Ā  Read More ā†’https://988lifeline.org/contact-us/


See corresponding 2-page handout on

Ā Crisis & Mental Health Resources prepared by NAMI-MN



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