The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a long history of investing in the communities where its members live and work. This summer, the local Elks Lodge continued that tradition with a generous grant to Meals on Wheels LaPorte County — funds that will go directly toward feeding homebound seniors who depend on the program for daily nutrition and human connection.
The grant arrives at a critical time. Like nonprofits across the country, Meals on Wheels LaPorte County is navigating a landscape of rising food costs, higher fuel prices for delivery vehicles, and growing demand from an aging population. The organization delivers more than 100,000 meals each year across the county — five days a week, every week — and the cost of maintaining that pace climbs year over year. Community grants like the one from the Elks Lodge help bridge the gap between what government funding covers and what it actually costs to put a hot meal on every client’s table.
“The Elks have been wonderful partners for our organization. Their commitment to community service aligns perfectly with our mission, and this grant will make a real, tangible difference for the seniors we serve every single day.”
Cheryl Daurer, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels LaPorte County
The Elks Lodge’s support reflects a broader network of fraternal organizations, civic groups, churches, and local businesses that form the backbone of Meals on Wheels’ community funding. While federal and state programs like the Older Americans Act provide foundational support, they don’t cover the full cost of operations. Private grants and individual donations fill in the rest — paying for kitchen supplies, packaging, vehicle maintenance, and the staff who coordinate hundreds of daily deliveries.
Beyond the financial impact, partnerships like this one serve as a reminder that fighting senior hunger is a community effort. Every grant, every donation, and every volunteer hour moves the needle for someone who might otherwise go without a meal or a friendly visit. The Elks Lodge grant will help ensure that Meals on Wheels LaPorte County can continue to meet the growing need — and continue to show up at every door, every day.
Interested in supporting Meals on Wheels LaPorte County through your organization? We welcome partnerships of all sizes — from one-time grants to ongoing sponsorships and in-kind donations. Contact our team to learn more about how your group can help feed seniors in need.
