Colchester, VT – As the cold winter months settle in and the holiday season arrives, many older Vermonters are struggling with more than just the chill of the season. For many, the holidays only deepen the isolation they experience year-round, and hunger becomes an overwhelming reality. Age Well, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the aging population in Northwestern Vermont, is urgently calling on the community to help support older Vermonters facing food insecurity and loneliness.
“This time of year, the needs of older Vermonters become even more urgent,” said Jane, CEO of Age Well. “With the rising costs of food and heating, many seniors are forced to make impossible choices between buying food or paying for their medications. For others, the holiday season only emphasizes the isolation they feel, as they have no family or friends to celebrate with. Our programs are here to help, but we can’t do it without the support of our community.”
The Silent Struggle: Food Insecurity and Isolation
While we celebrate the holidays, many older Vermonters are silently suffering. For some, it’s the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from. For others, it is the loneliness of having no one to share the season with. Age Well’s programs are designed to address these urgent needs, but the demand is greater than ever.
One such story comes from Claire, a 74-year-old resident of Middlebury: “I used to be able to get by, but the last few months have been tough. I’m so grateful for the meals from Age Well—it’s the only way I eat. And without their friendly check-ins, I wouldn’t have anyone to talk to.”
Through its meal delivery services and friendly visitor programs, Age Well is committed to helping older Vermonters who are struggling with hunger and loneliness. But to continue this critical work, the organization needs the support of the community, especially during the holiday season, when these issues are magnified.
Age Well’s Achievements and Impact
Age Well has been serving the older population of Northwestern Vermont for 50 years, and its impact continues to grow. In 2024 alone, Age Well:
- Delivered over 300,000 meals to older Vermonters in need. Our 2024 Impact report is available on our website.
- Provided case management, volunteer support, connecting seniors with friendly visitors to combat loneliness and isolation.
- Assisted individuals with access to critical resources, such as fuel assistance, weatherization services, and emergency financial support.
“These are just a few of the many ways Age Well is making a difference in the lives of older Vermonters,” said Jane. “But our work is far from over. With the support of our community, we can continue to expand these services and ensure that no older Vermonter faces hunger or isolation, especially as we look toward the next 50 years of service.”
How You Can Help
This holiday season, Age Well is asking for your support to continue providing essential services to older Vermonters. Donations of any size make an enormous difference, from delivering meals to providing safety checks and volunteer support. Here is how your contribution can help:
- $10 provides one home-delivered meal and a safety check for a homebound older Vermonter.
- $50 covers a week’s worth of meals and daily safety checks.
- $250 provides a month of nutritious meals, helping seniors maintain their health and independence.
- Meals on Wheels can serve a person for an entire year for about the same cost as one day in the hospital or 10 days in a nursing home!
Age Well offers several ways to give, including one-time donations, monthly gifts, legacy donations, and more. We also accept gifts through stocks, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and other planned giving options, making it easy to give in a way that works best for you.
Looking Toward the Future: Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Since 1974, Age Well has been dedicated to meeting the changing needs of older Vermonters. As we look forward to the next 50 years, we are excited to expand our services, introduce new initiatives, and strengthen our role as a leader in aging services.
“We’re excited about what the future holds,” said Jane. “But to continue supporting the growing number of older Vermonters, we need the help of our community. With your support, we can make the next 50 years even more impactful than the first.”
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is a national organization that supports over 5,000 community-based programs across the country. Through a dedicated and compassionate volunteer network, Meals on Wheels delivers more than just a meal—it provides a comprehensive solution that promotes independence and well-being. In addition to nutritious meals, the program offers vital benefits like personalized nutrition, social connection, safety checks, and more.
Meals on Wheels America strengthens local programs by providing funding, resources, education, research, and advocacy, empowering them to serve seniors and enrich communities, one person at a time.
For more information or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
About Age Well
As the leading experts and advocates for the aging population for 50 years, we believe that health happens at home and focuses on lifestyle, happiness, and wellness—not on age. We have provided Vermonters with the necessary support to manage their daily living needs, with the goal of keeping them active, healthy, and independent. Our wide array of programs enhances the quality of life and improves health outcomes. Committed to helping individuals age well, we reduce barriers by providing access to healthy meals, in-home care, expertise in Medicare and insurance, long-term and short-term care options, a Helpline, and many more community resources. Carried out by staff members and over 1,000 incredible volunteers, our sought-after services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, their families, and their caregivers.
To learn more about Age Well visit: agewellvt.org
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