Hilltop Regional Kitchen receives NJPA funding

The $100,000 Innovation Funding from the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) has pushed the mercury on the fundraising thermometer for the Hilltop Regional Kitchen to just over 90 percent.

According to a recent press release from NJPA, “Innovation Funding was created to help Region Five entities (education and city and county government) fund initiatives aimed at creating collaboration and improving the region.”

The kitchen project certainly meets the prerequisites.

Phase 1 of the project is to remodel the former shop area at the Eagle Valley High School into a larger kitchen and congregate dining area to serve the growing population of senior citizens as well as the general public. 

Future phases of the project will include additional space for regional classes, education opportunities and community events. 

“The $100,000 in funding support through NJPA allows us to be so close to our funding goal,” said Rick Hest, president of the Eagle Bend Senior Citizens. 

Funding is close, but the project still needs about $53,000 to meet the goals of Phase 1.

There are also some additional items that were not included in the costs of Phase 1 including redoing the roof, parking and other exterior modifications.

“This is a big solution to a long-term issue in Todd County and beyond,” said Todd County Aging Coordinator Verna Toenyan.

Anyone wishing to donate to this or any phase of the project can contact the City of Eagle Bend at 218-738-5982 for information.

NJPA is a service cooperative providing funding support for Region Five public projects and initiatives through Innovation Funding and shared services. The support is not considered a grant.

Lutheran Social Services manages the nutriton program and staffing.