The History of CNN

            The Community Nutrition Network was born out of a meal service program operated by the Community Economic & Development Association (CEDA) in the 1970’s.  CEDA’s meal-service program came about shortly after the Older American’s Act was enacted in 1965.The program quickly grew, as the need for this service became more visible.  In 1986 CEDA decided to break off this area of service and create the Community Nutrition Network.  The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) allocated funds to and approved CNN as a for-profit organization.  CNN pulled Preferred Meal Systems on board as the main meal provider, which still operates as so today.

            In the late 1990’s, federal funding for senior services began to diminish.  The Community Nutrition Network became a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2000.  In order to remain in full operation and be able to expand services to meet the growing need, the Meals on Wheels Foundation (MOWF) was created in 2001 as the fundraising, community outreach, and public awareness arm of CNN.  In its first four years, MOWF raised over $1 million in cash and $100,000 in equipment donations.  As of June 2007, over 11,000 generous donors have given to the foundation in support of CNN’s mission.

            In 2005, CNN sought out and was awarded contracts to begin serving seniors not only in suburban Cook County but also in Grundy and Kendall Counties.  CNN is now one of the largest senior meal providers in the nation.  In 2006, CNN served over 600,000 meals to 7,400 seniors in Northeastern Illinois.

            Throughout these three counties, where service is provided, there are 22 Group-Dining sites, 19 of which also serve as meal distribution hubs for the Home-Delivery program.  CNN has expanded the Home-Delivery program so some seniors receive meals seven days a week, while others remain on the five-meals-a-week plan.  Each senior who receives Home-Delivered meals also receives a set of three shelf stable meals at the beginning of each winter in case inclement weather prevents CNN from making it to their door.