New services will provide over 24,000 meals to local seniors, supporting nutrition and social connection. 

REDDING, Calif. (February 19, 2025) — Dignity Health Connected Living is proud to announce the expansion of its senior nutrition services into Lassen County. Seniors benefit from nutritious meals through both congregate dining and home-delivered meal programs, with vital funding provided by Planning and Service Area 2 Area Agency on Aging (PSA 2 AAA) through the Older Americans Act. These services ensure that seniors in Trinity, Shasta, and Lassen Counties have access to meals that promote wellness and independence. Since the program's launch in October through the end of January, a total of 3,870 meals have been served in Lassen County. 

"We’re deeply honored to expand our services into Lassen County and help ensure that seniors have access to the care and nourishment they deserve," said Joe Ayer, Dignity Health Connected Living Executive Director. “For many of our seniors, these meals are more than just food—they’re a lifeline to independence and a sense of community. We’re here to support them in every way we can." 

In partnership with the Susanville Assembly of God Church, congregate dining services are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at their location. Seniors must pre-register to participate by calling 530.223.6034, as space is limited. While there is an opportunity to contribute toward the meal, no senior will be denied service due to an inability to contribute. This program not only provides nourishment but also fosters social connections, which are vital to maintaining the health and well-being of our senior community. 

Additionally, we are seeking community volunteers to support this expansion. “Nutrition programs could not succeed without the support of their local volunteers,” added Teri Gabriel, Executive Director of PSA 2 AAA. “Volunteers are needed to deliver meals, assist at congregate meal sites, and offer companionship

to nutrition program participants. Whether once per week or once per month, every volunteer plays a vital role in enriching the lives of the older adults they serve.” 

This expansion aims to serve over 17,000 home-delivered meals and 7,000 congregate meals by June 2025. Letters have already been sent to notify local seniors of the upcoming services, and we look forward to working with community partners to make this initiative a success. 

For more information about how to register for senior nutrition meals or to volunteer, please call 530.223.6034. 

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About Dignity Health 

Dignity Health is a multi-state nonprofit network of 10,000 physicians, more than 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals, and 400-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Dignity Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and af ordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and dedicated to serving the common good. For more information, please visit our website at www.DignityHealth.org.