It is alarming to think that over 5 million (11.4%) seniors in the United States experience some form of food insecurity. Good nutrition, vitally important for everyone, can become a matter of  life and death for a senior who is malnourished. 

For older adults like Marie who is 72 years old, good nutrition means a more healthy and productive life. Ask Marie about Meals On Wheels, she immediately says, “I love Meals On Wheels.”

“Before I received meals, I had little interest in cooking; I weighed only 117 pounds and felt tired most of the time. I was even hospitalized.  Today I feel better and look forward to my meals as  well as the friendly visits of volunteers who truly care. I am so grateful that if I could volunteer for Meals On Wheels, I would.”

Marie takes great pride in her apartment where she has enjoyed living for eighteen years.  An avid reader, Marie says, “When my children were small, I couldn’t afford to buy books so I went to the local library. I didn’t graduate from High School but I love to learn.”  Marie’s other favorite pastime is doing puzzles, particularly those that depict animals and flowers.

Marie must try to make ends meet living on Social Security. “The cost of utilities, rent and medications consume most of my income.”  She quickly adds, “I know how to budget my money. I had to all of my life.”

Marie is one of 750 older adults whom we have the privilege to serve each day. However, 95% of our clients, like Marie, simply cannot afford the partial or total cost of meal assistance.  Good nutrition is not a privilege but a right of every older adult.  For this reason, despite their financial hardship, we continue to help them.