Golden Meals: Fighting Senior Hunger & Building Community in Whiteside County

Season 2, Episode 97

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Diane Randecker and Kelli Keefer from the Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency’s Golden Meals program.

Golden Meals has been serving seniors since 1974, providing nutritious meals through congregate sites and home delivery in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Whiteside, and Carroll counties. The program not only ensures seniors receive balanced meals but also delivers vital daily check-ins and social connection for those who may otherwise be alone.

This episode covers the history of Golden Meals, the challenges of rising costs and increasing demand, and the critical importance of community support.

📅 Fundraiser Event Details

Date: Friday, September 6

Time: 2 p.m. – Midnight

Location: Brinks, Sterling, IL

Activities: Live music (3 bands), raffles, 50/50, gift card wall, bake sale, and more

Proceeds: Benefit Golden Meals to provide meals for seniors in need

💡 Other Ways to Help

Donate online: https://www.nicaa.org

Support a Senior: Sponsor a week of meals for $15

Drop off donations at your local senior center

👉 Learn more and support Golden Meals: https://nicaa.org/service/golden-meals

👉 Follow Golden Meals Whiteside County on Facebook

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Along the Rock for more stories from our community!

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock
00:25 – What is Golden Meals?
01:00 – Early History & Expansion of the Program
02:05 – Congregate Meals at the Senior Center
02:38 – What Do the Meals Look Like?
03:05 – Life-Saving Impact of Home-Delivered Meals
04:11 – Upcoming Fundraiser Details
05:08 – Other Ways to Support Golden Meals
05:51 – How to Get More Information (Facebook & Website)
06:30 – Funding Challenges & Program Struggles
09:18 – Kaitlyn's Question

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