Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving 2023

For the most current information on Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels, please refer to this year’s article on Thanksgiving Meal Delivery.

Many of our older neighbors are setting the table for one this Thanksgiving. As we get older, even the most independent among us may experience physical declines or financial hardship that strips away our independence. Add to that an increase in geographic mobility of our families, and the result is thousands of older Vermonters left behind, hungry, and alone – which is why this Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels is more important than ever.

Meals on Wheels is more than a meal, it helps fight the three biggest threats to aging, hunger, loneliness, and isolation. Every visit comes with a nutritious meal created to address the specific health conditions of the senior, a safety check around the house and an assessment of any changes that might impact future medical needs. This can mean the difference between independent living at home and an unwelcome transfer to a costly long-term care facility.

Thanksgiving Meals Delivery

While we don’t deliver Meals on Wheels on Thanksgiving Day, our volunteers deliver extra meals to older Vermonters before the day. The menu includes roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, a wheat roll, and pumpkin pie with cream.

Apart from Meals on Wheels, there are also a variety of community meals and Grab and Go meals for older adults in northwestern Vermont taking place the week of Thanksgiving. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a nutritious meal and the companionship of peers during the holidays.

For any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

Become a Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving Volunteer

Has Thanksgiving inspired you to give back? Consider becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer starting this holiday season. The time you donate will be repaid many times over by the relationships and memories created and the knowledge that you’ve made a difference. 

Volunteering your time in the community to help senior citizens provides much-needed companionship and social interaction for them, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, it allows seniors to maintain a sense of independence and dignity as they receive support in their daily lives, such as running errands or getting to appointments. Volunteering also fosters intergenerational connections, bridging the generation gap and promoting understanding and empathy. Lastly, it allows volunteers to gain valuable life experiences, develop empathy, and contribute to the overall well-being of their community, creating a more inclusive and caring society.

Volunteer with Meals on Wheels Year Round

Volunteers are needed year-round to provide consistent support to the older Vermonters in our community. Meals on Wheels volunteers build new connections with their neighbors while checking in on their safety and addressing food insecurity. There are many ways to be a Meals on Wheels volunteer, you can have a regular weekly or biweekly route, substitute in for our openings in advance, and be “on call” as a standby volunteer in case we need last-minute coverage.

You can volunteer as an individual or team! Several local businesses, community groups, and volunteers join together to create volunteer teams.

Donate to Meals on Wheels This Thanksgiving

There are other ways to give back apart from volunteering. When you donate to support Meals on Wheels during the holiday season, know you’ll be bringing warmth and nourishment to homebound seniors, ensuring they can enjoy a nutritious meal and companionship. Your contribution helps combat loneliness and isolation, spreading the spirit of togetherness during a time that can be challenging for many elderly individuals. Additionally, it eases the burden on families who may not be able to visit their loved ones, knowing that they are receiving nutritious meals and social interaction. Supporting Meals on Wheels during the holidays embodies the true spirit of giving and fosters a sense of community and goodwill!

You can make a donation any time of day online to Age Well or send cash or check to Age Well, 875 Roosevelt Hwy, Ste. 210, Colchester, VT 05446. Thank you in advance for your generosity and help in ensuring no senior is left behind this holiday season.