Posts by April Allford
Celebrate March for Meals 2023
Support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age.
On March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For 50 years, these critical programs – commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels – have delivered more than just nutritious meals to homebound seniors in virtually every community across the country. And, the dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver these meals each week provide a vital lifeline and connection to the community, which are sometimes all it takes to keep our senior neighbors at home, where they want to be.
Meals on Wheels programs have come together each March since 2002 to celebrate this proven collaboration of local community organizations, businesses, all levels of government and compassionate individuals to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten. By volunteering, donating or speaking out, you can ensure the seniors in your neighborhood can live more healthy, happy and independent lives at home, where they want to be.
How to Join the March!
- The 2023 Community Champions Week will be celebrated between March 20-24. During this time, local Meals on Wheels programs invite local, state and federal officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures to safely deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. Learn more.
- Celebrate Locally: Celebrations and opportunities will vary by location, so it’s best to reach out to your local Meals on Wheels program for details! On Friday, March 24, we will celebrate Community Champions Day with local First Responders, Mrs. Hancock County Amanda Westfall, and more. Find a local program near you.
- Learn More about Meals on Wheels! Our nation’s senior population is growing exponentially, outpacing the resources available to serve vulnerable older adults and putting their health and well-being in jeopardy. Meals on Wheels is a proven public-private partnership that effectively addresses the challenges of aging by promoting health and improving quality of life for at-risk seniors. By leveraging the existing Meals on Wheels network, we have the opportunity to not only keep seniors healthy and independent at home, where they want to be, but also save billions in tax dollars by keeping them out of more costly healthcare alternatives. Learn more.
- Support Meals on Wheels with a Donation. One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support Meals on Wheels is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team.) You can also click here to donate via credit card on Meals on Wheels of Hancock County’s website now.
What’s in a Knock? from Meals on Wheels America on Vimeo.
Curbside Story: Flower Power
When Meals on Wheels of Hancock County volunteer Trish Mendez delivers to clients on her routes, her work with Random Acts of Flowers Indianapolis comes into play to brighten their days with bouquets.
One client with cancer, whose son died of COVID last spring, had been isolated and depressed.
A small bouquet made all the difference.
“She was really, really depressed,” Trish said. “That’s not something you just get over. She limits contact because of her compromised immunity and doesn’t come to the door. I thought by bringing her flowers, that could perk her up. I just try to do that every two or three weeks.”
Another client feeling especially isolated was extremely delighted to receive her surprise bouquet.
“She said, ‘I haven’t got flowers in so long,’” Trish said. “It made her so happy.”
Random Acts of Flowers’ mission is to improve the emotional health and well-being of individuals by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness. That mission inspired Trish to combine it with Meals on Wheels of Hancock County’s goal of preventing isolation and loneliness in the aging community.
“It’s just a cool thing,” Trish said. “It just shows you how something that is going to be thrown out can be used for happiness. It’s such a worthwhile charity.”
On days Trish isn’t delivering Random Acts of Flowers bouquets, she stops by a local supermarket that sells flowers to treat neighbors on her Meals on Wheels routes.
“I just pick up flower bouquets and split them up,” she said. “It’s just $10 bucks, so why not?”
Trish said it’s the surprise factor that really makes people’s days.
“Sometimes the surprise of getting something like that is all they need to cheer them up,” she said. “I just tell the ladies if you get the vases back to me, I’ll bring them back with flowers. It’s a full circle.”
Trish’s clients, especially those battling health issues and experiencing loneliness, have a whole different outlook on their day when receiving meal deliveries.
“Everybody is happy to see me,” Trish said. “Sometimes you’re the only person they see that day. It’s fun to say, ’Here’s your meal, and here’s your flowers.’”
The flower deliveries help Trish, too.
“Personally, I like that they are happy to see me,” she said. “My problem is there’s not enough time to volunteer. I’m busier now than when I worked, but that’s fine!”
Trish recently found that her flower deliveries were not only great pick-me-ups for Meals on Wheels’ clients, but also staff, including Packing Coordinator Michelle Elsbury.
“I gave Michelle flowers because she said something about her mom being sick,” Trish said. “She needed some happiness. And flowers do not cost that much.”
Funding Helps Meals on Wheels Anchor New Circle of Care Nonprofit Hub
American Rescue Plan Award Supports Synergistic Direct-service Collaboration
GREENFIELD, IN – Meals on Wheels of Hancock County has robust plans for the nearly $730,000 in American Rescue Plan funds recently designated to help local nonprofits post-COVID-19.
As part of a $15 million award provided to Hancock County through the American Rescue Plan grant, the near-quarter-of-a-million-dollar funding empowers Meals on Wheels to collaborate with the Hancock County Community Foundation. The social service nonprofits teamed up to create the Circle of Care nonprofit hub, whereas Meals on Wheels will hold the title to HCCF’s current property at 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, as the anchor organization starting in 2023.
Meals on Wheels was recently awarded the gift, valued at $550,000. at the HCCF’s annual gala in November. Executive Director Lynda Kosh graciously accepted alongside Board Chair Andy Turner, and serving board members and staff in attendance.
“I am full of heartfelt gratitude and overwhelmed with emotion as the Circle of Care vision begins to take shape in reality,” Kosh said. “It is an honor to have the work of Meals on Wheels, and our staff, board and army of volunteers to be recognized in this manner.”
Kosh said Meals on Wheels will provide leadership for other Hancock County social service nonprofits to be housed in the new Circle of Care center in 2023. Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE), Hancock County Children’s Choir, Hancock County Firefly, Hancock County Leaders in Navigating Knowledge, Healthy 365 and WorkOne will join the hub.
“We are well able and up for the task to work alongside our nonprofit partners to provide much-needed services and care to our families, friends and neighbors of Hancock County in a shared, inviting and collaborative location,” Kosh said.
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County, which moved to the 312 E. Main St. location at the end of summer 2022, will manage the Circle of Care collaboration. Immediate duties include renovating the building into an accessible, collaborative nonprofit center. Kosh said the hub allows for multiple direct-service providers to create nonprofit synergy. This helps shrink barriers and creates “transformational opportunities” for the Hancock County community in one convenient location, with accessibility for clients with disabilities.
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About Meals on Wheels of Hancock County
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County was established in 2001 in Greenfield, Ind., to meet the needs of local aging and at-risk communities. The nonprofit’s mission is to help the citizens of Hancock County maintain an independent lifestyle through the delivery of nutritious meals in accordance with prescribed dietary needs, and provide a point of personal contact with the community.
15th Annual Subaru Share the Love® Strives for $250 Million
This holiday season, Subaru of America, Inc. has launched a national advertising campaign in support of the 2022 Subaru Share the Love® Event, highlighting the causes that embody the Subaru Love Promise® – the Subaru vision to show love and respect to all people, and pets, at every interaction to make the world a better place, simply because it is the right thing to do.
This year, Subaru and its participating retailers are supporting four returning national charity partner beneficiaries, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels America® and the National Park FoundationTM The creative spots will shine a light on each organization’s cause and how they make a difference.
The advertising spots will also showcase hometown charities that are hand-selected by Subaru retailers across the country that will also benefit from the Subaru Share the Love Event during its milestone 15th year. Subaru and its retailers are hopeful of being able to donate more than $250 million to these organizations, and the four national charity partners, by the end of this year’s event.
“The Subaru Share the Love Event is one of the most important times of the year for our retailers and by giving back in such a significant way, we demonstrate that Subaru is More Than a Car Company and our retailers are More Than a Car Dealer,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “It means so much to our retailers, and us at Subaru of America, to hear stories about the impact these funds have on so many different causes, people and pets across the country.”
The advertising spots were created by Subaru of America with agency partner Carmichael Lynch, and will run on national television, digital video, and social media platforms. Paid media partners include CNN, NBC, Hallmark Channel, Discovery+, Twitter, CBS News The Uplift, Amazon Streaming TV, YouTube, Hulu. Spanish-language translated versions of the :30 and :15 advertising spots will run on Univision, Telemundo, and Peacock.
The creative campaign brings to life the efforts made by each of the national charity partners and how these causes directly impact those they serve. Vignettes include:
Portraits of Love – For the past 15 years, Subaru and our retailers have been sharing the love with those who need it most. Subaru is the largest automotive donor to Make-A-Wish and Meals on Wheels. And the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA and the National Park Foundation. By the end of this year, Subaru and our retailers will have donated over $250 million to charity. When you get a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru will donate $250 to the charity of your choice.
Love is Local – Subaru and our retailers are dedicated to giving back to our local communities. In fact, through the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru retailers have supported over 1,700 hometown charities. And by the end of this year, Subaru and our retailers will have donated over $250 million to charity. This is what makes Subaru retailers more than car dealers and Subaru More Than a Car Company.
Providing Meals, Meals on Wheels – Subaru and our retailers love seniors. That’s why Subaru is the largest automotive donor to Meals on Wheels. Through the Subaru Share the Love Event and other efforts we have delivered nearly 4 million meals.
These spots are available to view on the Subaru of America YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/Subaru.
For any new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at one of the more than 630 retailers from Thursday, November 17, 2022, through Tuesday, January 3, 2023, Subaru will donate $250 to the purchaser’s choice of charity*. Retailers can also add up to two local hometown charities to receive an additional $50 for each vehicle sold or leased. Additionally, 417 participating Subaru retailers will donate an additional $5 to their registered hometown charity partner for every routine Subaru vehicle service visit during the campaign period.
Since 2008, Subaru and its participating retailers have donated more than $227 million and supported over 1,700 hometown charities to help those in need through the Subaru Share the Love Event.
- To learn more, visit: www.subaru.com/share
- Follow Subaru on Facebook: www.facebook.com/subaruofamerica
- Join the conversation: www.twitter.com/subaru_usa #ShareTheLove
*Disclaimer: Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 17, 2022, through January 3, 2023, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered Hometown Charities. Subaru will donate a total of $5 to their registered Hometown Charities for every Subaru vehicle routine service visit during the campaign period. A routine visit includes customer payment of $5 or greater, or any service that includes a genuine Subaru oil filter. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 13, 2023. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.
Jiffy Lube Drive To Do More Benefits Meals on Wheels
HOUSTON, TX (Oct.1, 2022) – Today, Jiffy Lube, an industry leader in vehicle maintenance for more than 40 years, began a nationwide fundraising campaign benefiting Meals on Wheels America, an organization supporting community-based programs such as Meals on Wheels of Hancock County to address senior hunger, isolation and nutrition programs. The Jiffy Lube Drive To Do More campaign will raise funds to help provide nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to seniors during the holiday season.
Jiffy Lube International, Inc. will jumpstart the donations with a corporate gift, with subsequent funds raised through customer donations during checkout at participating Jiffy Lube locations beginning October 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022.
“Jiffy Lube is honored to contribute to Meals on Wheels America’s mission of addressing senior hunger and isolation, especially in advance of the holiday season when the need can be even greater,” said Sara Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of Jiffy Lube International, Inc. “In addition to raising funds to help provide meals, we are committed to keeping Meals on Wheels volunteers on the road so they can continue to make a positive difference in their communities.”
“The holiday season can be difficult for homebound seniors. Harsh winter weather and busy schedules can leave some of our most vulnerable community members at an even greater risk of isolation, loneliness, and hunger,” said Kristine Templin, Chief Development Officer of Meals on Wheels America. “This fundraising campaign with Jiffy Lube comes at the perfect time, and all of the funds raised will help ensure our seniors receive the support they need.”
THE IMPACT OF DRIVE TO DO MORE
With more than 2,000 service centers across the U.S., Jiffy Lube and its franchisees have raised millions of dollars to help make a difference in the lives of others. With the launch of Drive To Do More in 2019, the brand extended its philanthropic efforts to provide support to volunteers who rely on their vehicles to give back in their communities. Additionally, Jiffy Lube franchisees are committed to numerous charitable causes in their local markets – ranging from education and health to youth development and food security. The national relationship expands both Meals on Wheels America and Jiffy Lube’s reach and ability to transform lives, have a more meaningful impact, and create a community of strength, hope, and resilience.
ABOUT JIFFY LUBE
Founded over 40 years ago, Jiffy Lube serves approximately 20 million customers each year at more than 2,000 franchised service centers across North America. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. The company continues to lead the industry with the evolution of its business model, Jiffy Lube Multicare, which offers oil changes, brakes, batteries, and tires as well as other services consumers want and need. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc. Visit JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care. About Meals on Wheels America Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. All of the funds raised from the national campaign will go to Meals on Wheels America, which will distribute funds to local Member programs to meet the specific needs in their communities.
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United Way of Central Indiana Awards $8.3 Million for Basic Needs
UWCI Marketing / INDIANAPOLIS
United Way of Central Indiana announced it is awarding $8.3 million to 63 organizations to help them meet the basic needs of people and families across the region.
United Way’s Basic Needs Fund is designed to help our most vulnerable neighbors access food, housing, health care and transportation.
An 18-member committee of United Way board members, staff and community volunteers reviewed applications and selected the recipients, awarding grants ranging from $40,000 to $320,000.
“To achieve stability, people must first have their basic needs met,” said Mary Jones, United Way’s senior director of basic needs. “These funds support services that help people with life’s essentials.”
Organizations that received funding during this grant cycle serve people in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.
One of the organizations awarded funding is Stability First, a transitional housing nonprofit in Morgan County. Executive Director Rick Miller said the funding will enhance the nonprofit’s ability to help those struggling to gain stability in their lives.
“With individual growth plans focusing on a wholistic approach, we strive to provide the help and hope that so many are desperately needing,” Miller said. “We are extremely grateful to partner with the United Way of Central Indiana to positively impact our community.”
2022-2023 Basic Needs Fund grantees:
Alternatives Inc – $100,000
American Cancer Society – $40,000
The Arc of Greater Boone County, Inc. – $50,000
Boone County Senior Services, Inc. – $60,000
Bosma Enterprises – $60,000
Boys & Girls Club of Boone County – $80,000
Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville – $60,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis – $100,000
Burmese American Community Institute – $100,000
Catholic Charities Indianapolis, Inc. – $320,000
Christamore House, Inc. – $60,000
CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions – $225,000
Community Alliance of the Far Eastside – $200,000
Concord Neighborhood Center – $125,000
Damien Center – $225,000
Easterseals Crossroads – $225,000
Edna Martin Christian Center – $225,000
Family Promise of Hendricks County – $100,000
Fathers and Families Center – $100,000
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center – $125,000
Firefly Children & Family Alliance – $320,000
Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc. – $225,000
Foster Success – $60,000
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana – $225,000
Hancock County Senior Services – $60,000
Hawthorne Community Center – $175,000
Hendricks County Senior Services – $150,000
Horizon House, Inc. – $200,000
HVAF of Indiana, Inc. – $80,000
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. – $80,000
Indiana Youth Group – $125,000
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society – $125,000
Indianapolis Urban League – $200,000
John Boner Neighborhood Centers – $225,000
The Julian Center – $100,000
La Plaza, Inc. – $150,000
Little Red Door Cancer Agency – $150,000
Lutheran Child and Family Services – $150,000
Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative – $50,000
Martin Luther King Community Center – $175,000
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center – $200,000
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana – $175,000
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County – $50,000
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic – $40,000
New Hope of Indiana – $80,000
Noble, Inc. – $225,000
PrimeLife Enrichment – $50,000
Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE) – $100,000
Reach For Youth – $60,000
The Salvation Army Indiana – $320,000
Second Helpings – $225,000
Sheltering Wings – $150,000
Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County – $100,000
Southeast Community Services – $125,000
St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center – $50,000
Stability First – $40,000
Sycamore Rehabilitation Services – $80,000
Tangram, Inc. – $150,000
TeenWorks, Inc. – $50,000
The Villages of Indiana, Inc. – $50,000
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana – $225,000
WellSpring – $50,000
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis – $100,000
Curbside Story: Delivering Lifelines
Lifesaving. That’s how one Meals on Wheels of Hancock County client describes the impact our medically tailored deliveries have made on her since enrolling in the program this year.
“Arthritis has plagued my family for years, and now, in my 60s, I’m to the point where I can no longer drive or work,” she said. “And I cannot cook for myself.”
This client came to the Indy area 10 years ago to help care for her elderly parents. She also had a brother and sister who were ill. Over the years, she has worked as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide and companion caregiver. Her experience working with seniors in their homes informed her about the benefits of Meals on Wheels programs.
“I used to work with clients in their homes, and saw first-hand how much the meals helped,” she said. “The volunteers are so kind and wonderful, and I appreciate the calls, and we text when I might not be able to get to the phone right away.”
Chronic arthritis pain and a cancer diagnosis has made daily life a challenge. Arthritis makes it especially difficult to stand for any period of time. Her mobility is challenged on the daily, and fear of falling is a constant concern.
“I have arthritis in both of my ankles, both of my ankles, in both of my knees and hips. From my waist down, I don’t work very well,” she said. “I’m so afraid of falling because my knees lock up on me. I worry if I fall in the kitchen, I can’t pull myself up. I have a big fear of falling.”
Cooking even a small meal has been difficult. She often has cereal on hand since she said pouring a bowl is sometimes the easiest. Just to stand at the stove or kitchen sink can be hard. With this in mind, and knowing how much Meals on Wheels helped her former home healthcare clients, she gave Meals on Wheels of Hancock County a call.
“I just can’t stand at the stove to make something great. Every once and awhile I can,” she said.
Meals on Wheels weekday deliveries also help since she’s on a limited budget.
“I don’t make a lot of money in my retirement,” she said. “Meals on Wheels has been a lifesaver for me. I can get two meals a day. I’m very grateful for Meals on Wheels. For a long time I was afraid I would starve to death. I now no longer have a fear of starving. It’s just been a lifeline for me.”
Ani-meals Blog: Pets, Parasites and People
Courtesy Thomas Dock, Noah’s Brandywine Animal Hospital
Intestinal Parasite Awareness
“Be sure to bring a fecal sample when Fluffy comes in for her visit!”
How many times have you heard a veterinary receptionist, technician or even the veterinarian say that? Do you wonder why we have such a strong passion for seeing poop from your pet?
The answer to that question may not be the most appealing thing to you, but it does have a direct impact on the health of your pet AND of your whole family! Almost every puppy or kitten born into this world will come fully equipped with either roundworms or hookworms (or both) already living inside of them. These intestinal parasites are passed to the young animals from the mom through the placenta or through nursing and can be deadly to the young animal.
Adult animals will also carry these parasites, although there is much less danger to them. They tend to shed eggs from the parasites during times of stress. At the website, PetsAndParasites.com, you can track how prevalent these parasites are in your state and county.
But the bigger danger is actually to the two-legged members of your family. Both hookworms and roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans from animals. We are not the normal hosts for these parasites, so their migration through our body can cause some serious issues, especially in children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 15% of the population of the United States has been infected with roundworms. In rare cases, children develop blurry vision, eye pain or have even had an eye removed due to the presence of roundworm larva. Hookworm larva actually burrow into our skin and travel through the body in the connective tissue. This condition is known as cutaneous larva migrans and is reported to be extremely uncomfortable due to the itchiness.
What About Heart Disease?
Another parasite that causes significant issues for our dogs and cats are heartworms. Unlike intestinal parasites, these foot-long worms live in the hearts and lungs of our pets. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, and it just takes one to infect your furry friend. Sadly, many pets die each year from this preventable disease.
So, what’s the best thing to keep you and your WHOLE family safe? Just follow a few simple rules:
First, listen to what your mother said and WASH YOUR HANDS! This is a great way to keep any of the parasite’s microscopic eggs from finding their way to your mouth when you eat. Parents should take extra care to make sure children clean their hands, especially after playing with pets or running in the yard where animals might defecate.
Second, pick up your pet’s poop and dispose of it. The sooner you can get it out of the yard, the less chance the parasite eggs will have to hatch and release infective larva.
The Vet Recommends …
Third, keep your pet current on monthly heartworm prevention, every month, all year long, even in the cold winter months. These medications will help to control roundworm and hookworm infestations and limit the number of eggs shed into your yard and will stop the heartworm larva from growing up to be adult heartworms!
Finally, don’t be shy when it comes to checking your pets for parasites. We should check stool samples at least every 6 months, and although twice a year may seem excessive to you, both roundworms and hookworms have a life cycle that can be completed in less than a month. An annual blood test to screen for heartworms should also be done. These testing protocols help veterinarians find the nasty parasites before for your pets or family develop serious health problems.
Call Noah’s Brandywine at (317) 462-7818 to make a free appointment for your pet by July 1, 2022!
IT’S THE SEASON FOR PREVENTION!
This season, take as good care of your pets as you do yourself with healthy check-ups and preventative care. Thanks to a Meals on Wheels America grant, we’re able to provide pet food, adoption, vet services, grooming and boarding for Meals on Wheels clients. And great news, we’re partnering with Noah’s Brandywine Animal Hospital to help you go the extra mile for your pet through our new Ani-meals program!
Sign up your pet for an appointment for the FREE
MOW pet preventative package that may include:
• Annual physical exam and vaccinations
• Recommended bloodwork
(including heartworm test and health screening panel)
• Stool test to screen for intestinal parasites
• 1-year supply of parasite prevention
(including flea/tick, heartworm, intestinal parasite control)
Contact Noah’s Brandywine Animal Hospital at (317) 462-7818 to set up a FREE pet appointment.
Book today! Offer expires July 1, 2022.*
Call Meals on Wheels at (317) 477-FOOD for meal and pet food delivery questions.
*Must be a client enrolled in the Meals on Wheels of Hancock County program for complimentary pet care.
March for Meals: 50 Years of Community Champions
This month, we’ve teamed up with Meals on Wheels America to celebrate a special March for Meals highlighting the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program! In recognition of Community Champions Week (March 21-25), we hosted a rainy March for Meals meet-and-greet.
Community Champions such as Greenfield Police Department, Thomas P. Turner Foundation, Mayor Chuck Fewell’s office and Greenfield Indiana Kiwanis volunteers helped us raise awareness and rally support to help provide Hancock County neighbors with an essential service needed to remain healthy and independent at home. Mayor Fewell proclaimed March as the month to celebrate a special March for Meals highlighting the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program on March 22, 2022.
The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when a measure amending the Older Americans Act of 1965 (to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older) was signed into law. This year, Meals on Wheels programs nationwide join forces for the awareness campaign to celebrate 50 years of success.
During this time, local Meals on Wheels programs invite local, state and federal officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures to safely deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. We thank our local Meals on Wheels volunteers and Community Champions!
Meals on Wheels Wins Community Award
2021 BOBBY KEEN HEALTHY COMMUNITY AWARD RECIPIENT
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County marked the close to 2021 with cause for celebration.
The nonprofit was honored as the most recent recipient of the Bobby Keen Healthy Community Award, named for the former Hancock Regional Hospital president and CEO. The award recognizes a hospital program or local organization that has made a significant and positive impact on the health and wellness of the Hancock County community.
Meals on Wheels was recognized for safely delivering meals that meet patients’ dietary needs every weekday, including weekend meals on Fridays, throughout Hancock County. Especially during the pandemic.
“As the pandemic has increased social isolation and food insecurity among seniors, Meals on Wheels has created an innovative approach to meet this need by delivering shelf-stable emergency food boxes. The organization also participates in the local Post-Discharge Nutrition Initiative (PDNI) that ensures malnourished patients receive nutrition after they leave the hospital,” Hancock Health said in a press release.
As part of the Bobby Keen Award designation, the Meals on Wheels program received a $1,000 donation to provide meals to neighbors in need and deliveries of Care Boxes filled with shelf-stable pantry items. The award money can help sponsor the cost of meals for those who qualify for subsidies, and provide access to food in cases of adverse weather or emergencies.
Meals on Wheels Executive Director Lynda Kosh said she was overwhelmed by the Hancock Health Foundation’s gratitude and showing of appreciation.
“It’s a privilege to do what what we do in taking care of our friends, family and neighbors here in the community,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. Our excellent staff does a great job in serving your friends and family here in this community, and we are all thankful for this award.”
Bobby Keen Healthy Community Award winners include:
- 2013: Hospice
- 2014: K.B. Memorial Soup Kitchen
- 2015: Hancock County Children’s Choir
- 2016: Greenfield Parks Department
- 2017: The Landing Place
- 2018: Hancock Regional Hospital Guild
- 2019: Rock Steady Boxing
- 2020: Brianna’s Hope of Greenfield
- 2021: Meals on Wheels of Hancock County