Age Well is thrilled to announce Trio Community Meals as the Title Sponsor for this year’s March for Meals event. Since 1960, Trio has been active in helping to reducing hunger and isolation among older adults in our communities. Together with Age Well, Trio provides nutritious meals and friendly visits for older Vermonters in need.
“Trio Community Meals is committed to reducing food insecurity and enabling older adults to age in place with dignity and respect,” said Gil Rossomando, Trio’s East Region President. “Each day, Trio’s Rutland team prepares delicious meals that provide the critical nutrition older adults need. We are honored to partner with Age Well, a strong advocate for the aging population, to nourish older adults in the Vermont communities. Together, we positively impact the lives of older adults, enabling them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle at home.”
Age Well continues to participate in the 19th annual March for Meals campaign throughout April, in celebration of Meal on Wheels and our aging neighbors who rely on this essential service to remain healthy and independent at home, now even more so amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the last year, Age Well’s Meals on Wheels program has experienced a 40% increase in the demand for our services in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties,” said Jane Catton, Chief Executive Officer of Age Well. “We have been in awe of the outpouring of support, 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.”
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 those 60 years and older. Since 2002, community-based Meals on Wheels programs from across the country have joined forces for the annual awareness campaign to garner the support needed to fill the gap between those served and people still in need.
“The pandemic has introduced many of us to the newfound and harsh realities of food insecurity and social isolation – something that far too many seniors experience as their daily norm. More than ever, we must rally around our essential community-based programs that serve as lifelines to a growing number of people in need, to enable their own long-term vitality,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Even when we make it through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history, there will still be millions of vulnerable older adults who will rely on that familiar knock on the door that provides peace of mind and hope beyond the meal itself. Please join us in celebrating the power and importance of Meals on Wheels this March and always.”
Too many older Vermonters are left behind, alone and hungry, struggling to stay independent and healthy. In 2020: 12,868 are living in poverty, 42,180 are isolated, living alone and 16,913 are threatened by hunger. As the largest Meals on Wheels provider in Vermont, Age Well serves more than 225,000 meals each year, delivered by 400 volunteers each day.
For more information on how you can volunteer or donate visit Agewellvt.org/MarchforMeals or call 802-865-0363.
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