The proposed millage aims to fund Meals on Wheels for seniors across Houghton County, one of only five counties in Michigan currently without a millage to support local senior nutritional services. If approved, the initiative would ensure that older adults in the community have reliable access to nutritious meals and vital social interaction.
“No senior should feel the indignity of being without access to nutritious meals and social connection,” Copper Shores Meals on Wheels Program Director Kathleen Harter said. “In Houghton County, a significant portion of the population is silently struggling. Elderly residents, many of whom spent their lives building and supporting this community, are now facing the difficult challenge of affording and accessing healthy food.”
The millage proposal was brought forward by the Houghton County Elder Nutrition Committee. It requests no more than one mill for four years, starting in 2026. The funds will be specifically allocated to the Copper Shores Meals on Wheels program. This initiative goes beyond food delivery. It’s about honoring the dignity of older residents, providing nutritional support, combating isolation and strengthening the safety net for aging neighbors.
Public information sessions are designed to help residents better understand the proposal, explore the community’s unmet needs and provide time to ask any questions they may have. The sessions will be held at 17 locations throughout Houghton County in the weeks leading up to the August 5 vote.
To learn more about the 2025 Elder Nutrition Services millage proposal and see a full schedule of upcoming public information sessions, visit coppershores.org/support-seniors.