Older Vermonters need your help,
Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving 2024
For many older Vermonters, Thanksgiving can be a quiet, lonely holiday, with the table set for just one. As we age, even the most self-sufficient among us can face physical limitations, health challenges, or financial hardship that make it difficult to maintain independence. Add to this the growing mobility of families, and many older Vermonters find themselves isolated, without the support they need.
This Thanksgiving, Meals on Wheels is more important than ever. We all have a role to play in ensuring our elderly neighbors experience the joy and connection of the season.
Meals on Wheels: More Than Just a Meal
Meals on Wheels is not just about providing food—it’s about delivering care, connection, and support. For many older adults, a visit from a volunteer is just as important as the meal itself. Each meal is carefully planned to meet the specific health needs of the individual, and the delivery includes a check-in to ensure the recipient is doing well. Volunteers assess any changes in their physical condition or living situation that could affect their health or safety, providing peace of mind and a safety net for those living independently at home.
For many seniors, these regular visits can make all the difference—often preventing the need for costly long-term care and allowing them to continue aging in place. Meals on Wheels addresses three of the biggest threats to aging: hunger, loneliness, and isolation. By delivering nourishing meals and fostering meaningful human connection, we are helping older Vermonters live with dignity and independence.
Thanksgiving 2024 Meal Delivery
While Meals on Wheels does not deliver meals on Thanksgiving Day itself, volunteers work hard in the days leading up to the holiday to ensure that seniors have a special meal to enjoy. Our meals are delivered with a friendly visit from our volunteers, a reminder that our community is here to support those in need, especially during the holidays.
Alternative Options to Meals on Wheels This Thanksgiving
In addition to Meals on Wheels, several community meals and Grab & Go options are available to older adults in northwestern Vermont throughout the week of Thanksgiving. These events offer older Vermonters the chance to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal and the companionship of their peers. For many seniors who may not have family nearby, these meals are an opportunity to connect, share stories, and feel part of a larger community.
Community meals and Grab & Go events are particularly valuable during the holidays, a time when feelings of loneliness can intensify for older adults. These meals provide both nutrition and socialization, helping to combat isolation during what should be a time of togetherness.
Be More Than a Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels Volunteer
Meals on Wheels volunteers are needed year-round to ensure that our seniors receive the consistent support they need. Whether you can commit to a regular weekly or bi-weekly route, or prefer to volunteer on a more flexible, “on-call” basis, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteers can serve individually or as part of a team—many local businesses and community groups collaborate to create volunteer teams.
This Thanksgiving, please consider giving back by becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer. The time you spend delivering meals and checking in on older Vermonters is more than just an act of kindness—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. Volunteers are often the only visitors seniors receive, and the relationships they build provide valuable companionship, helping seniors feel connected and cared for.
In addition to delivering meals, volunteers perform a safety check, which can catch changes in a senior’s health or living situation that would go unnoticed otherwise. These visits not only help keep seniors independent but also ensure that their needs are being met.
Make a Thanksgiving Donation to Meals on Wheels
Another powerful way to support Meals on Wheels this Thanksgiving is through a donation. Your financial gift helps ensure that no senior goes hungry and that they receive the nutritious meals and human connection they need to stay healthy and mentally well. By donating, you are helping to reduce food insecurity and loneliness, and you’re spreading the holiday spirit to seniors who may not have family nearby to support them.
- Online: You can make a donation anytime via our website.
- Mail: Send a check to Age Well, 875 Roosevelt Hwy, Ste. 210, Colchester, VT 05446.
Your donation will help keep vulnerable seniors nourished, connected, and supported through the holiday season and beyond.
A Time for Giving
This Thanksgiving, as you gather with loved ones, take a moment to consider how you can make a difference in the lives of your older neighbors. Whether through volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply reaching out to someone who may be feeling isolated, we can all play a part in making this holiday season a little brighter for those who need it most.
For more information about Meals on Wheels or to learn more about local community meals and events, call our Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Together, we can ensure that no seniors are left behind this holiday season.
Age Well is committed to supporting older adults throughout Vermont, offering a range of services that promote independence, well-being, and a higher quality of life for seniors.
