A Hungry Community

Many of us, myself included, often take a healthy meal for granted. We’re able to cook or we go out and dine at a local restaurant. The option to eat nutritiously is simply a regular part of our day. Because of this lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine that many people, many elders, go without basic nutrition. Tea and toast make not a nutritious meal. These nutritiously needy elders aren’t in far-off cities. They’re in our community.

Eating nutritiously can be problematic for elders for several reasons. Due to physical ailments, they may not be able to prepare meals. They may not have the financial resources to pay for food. Or they may be homebound, unable to shop for groceries. No matter the reason, the problem is real.

At MVES, we strive to help elders by offering home-delivered meals or “Meals on Wheels.” When an elder receives a home-delivered meal, they can be assured of at least one healthy meal a day. And, thinking creatively, MVES recently began offering elders a choice between a hot meal or a salad and sandwich. Regardless of the type of meal, however, the service isn’t free.

Imagine serving 1,200 meals each weekday. That’s how many Meals on Wheels MVES delivers over eight communities from North Reading to Everett. With food, preparation, and delivery costs rising, it’s becoming harder for MVES to serve the increasing number of elders who desperately need a nutritious meal each day. We need your help to offset the costs of helping elders.

Would you please join us, as part of our spring appeal (click here to see my full letter), to help us help elders? Nutrition is a key factor in enabling elders to stay at home independently. By making a donation you allow another elder to enjoy not only a healthy meal, but also independence.

Our legislators are working on this issue also. Over the past several years, the state government hadn’t increased the funding for home-delivered meals. While the demand increased, the funding remained the same. That changed when Representative Donato (Malden/Medford) successfully sponsored a $500,000 amendment to the current state budget for home-delivered meals. With ratification in the Senate and the passage of the overall budget, this money will be used statewide to help fund home-delivered meals programs like the one at MVES.

I tell you of the state’s pending increase to let you know that we aren’t simply asking for money from the community. We are pursuing many options, starting with the government, to ensure elders receive the meals they need. But, even with the new appropriation, not all the needs will be met. Can you help us say yes to those who need our help?

Thank you for your generosity. Please contact me or our Development Office to make a donation or to ask any questions.