Vermont Business Magazine Age Well will be participating in the 22nd annual March for Meals. This is a nationwide campaign led by Meals on Wheels America designed to rally around our aging neighbors and protect the essential services that enable so many to remain healthy and independent at home. As the largest provider of Meals on Wheels in Vermont, Age Well provides over 270,000 home-delivered meals annually, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, combatting social isolation, and enabling independence and improved health outcomes for thousands.
“Age Well serves as a lifeline for older adults in Northwestern Vermont, providing an array of services, including Meals on Wheels. The demand for those needing home-delivered meals continues to grow rapidly even post-pandemic, with a nearly 25% increase”, said Sara Wool, Director of Development. “We have been in awe of the outpouring of support from the community but there’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of this vital lifeline can benefit. Together, we can ensure our older neighbors stay healthy and nourished, remain independent, and can remain at home, where they want to be.”
The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This critical support and federal funding has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network for more than 50 years. Throughout March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs nationwide unite for this annual awareness campaign, to celebrate the success of the public-private partnership and secure the necessary resources to support older adults in accessing nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks.
Ellie Hollander, President and CEO at Meals on Wheels America, underscores the importance of Meals on Wheels in addressing the prevalent issues of hunger and isolation among seniors striving to maintain independence and health at home. She emphasizes the need for increased funding to ensure local programs can reach their full potential and meet the growing demand. “Now is an important time for us to unite to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Hollander. “In the face of soaring demand and costs that surpass our current resources, we need to come together as communities to bridge the gaps. I encourage you to participate by donating, volunteering or speaking out for seniors throughout March to play your part. We can’t do it alone – it takes all of us to March for Meals.”
Age Well’s Meals on Wheels program relies on the generous support of community members, local businesses, partner organizations, and more than 800 volunteers. Trio Community Meals serves as our partner in both production and distribution of our meals and will once again be supporting our efforts as a 2024 Community Champion Sponsor. We would also like to thank other top sponsors, MVP Health Care and WCAX. To learn more about supporting March for Meals, please visit https://www.agewellvt.org/giving-back/march-for-meals/
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
About Age Well
As the leading experts and advocates for the aging population for 50 years, we believe that health happens at home and focuses on lifestyle, happiness, and wellness—not on age. We have provided Vermonters with the necessary support to manage their daily living needs, with the goal of keeping them active, healthy, and independent. Our wide array of programs enhances the quality of life and improves health outcomes. Committed to helping individuals age well, we reduce barriers by providing access to healthy meals, in-home care, expertise on Medicare and insurance, long-term and short-term care options, a Helpline, and many more community resources. Carried out by staff members and over 1,000 incredible volunteers, our sought-after services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, their families, and their caregivers.
To learn more about Age Well visit: agewellvt.org
Source: Colchester, VT, February 7, 2024 – Age Well
Written by Tim for Vermont Biz