Posts Tagged ‘Older Americans Act’

Help fight senior hunger and isolation in Hancock County

GREENFIELD, IN (March 13, 2024) – Meals on Wheels of Hancock County is proud to be participate in #SaveLunch – a nationwide campaign led by Meals on Wheels America designed to rally communities around our senior neighbors and protect the essential services that enable so many to remain healthy and independent at home.

Meals on Wheels of Hancock County’s #SaveLunch participation includes activities in March to honor the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program anniversary. We’re spreading awareness and recognition of the #SaveLunch campaign at our Spring Designer Purse Bingo Bash, Thursday, March 21 at St. Michael. Meals on Wheels also hosts a visit on Wednesday, March 27 from Greenfield Mayor Guy Titus, who will present a signed Senior Nutrition Programs Proclamation as well as tour the Circle of Care nonprofit hub, the new home to Meals on Wheels of Hancock County and other service-oriented nonprofits.

“In the last several years, we have experienced an increase in the demand for our services in Hancock County — especially during COVID when we saw upwards of a 66% increase,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Lynda Kosh. “We have been in awe of the outpouring of support so far, and there’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline can benefit from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”

“There’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Lynda Kosh.

To donate locally to the #SaveLunch campaign, click here. Choose #SaveLunch under the Donor Designation to help us address, and promote awareness of, senior hunger and isolation specifically.

Meals on Wheels of Hancock County benefits the local community by aiding disabled and aging individuals to remain in their homes as long as possible.  Due to illness, disability or age, they are unable to prepare, or otherwise obtain, nutritious meals for themselves.

“We are the only meal program in the county that delivers physician-prescribed meals,” Kosh said. “That’s including therapeutic and regular diets that are individually packed based on the client’s dietary requirements.”

This month’s national #SaveLunch efforts commemorate the historic day in March of 1972 when the Older Americans Act was amended to include a nutrition program for Americans 60 years and older. More than 50 years later, 12 million older Americans are still threatened by or experience hunger, and one in three seniors feels lonely. That is why Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces to raise awareness and support to ensure we can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence and improve health for decades to come.

“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 Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “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 save lunch for our seniors.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in Hancock County this March, visit mealsonwheelsonline.org.

About Meals on Wheels of Hancock County

Meals on Wheels of Hancock County was established in 2001 in Greenfield, Indiana, to meet the needs of local senior and at-risk communities. Our 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. 

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 trusted 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.