Colchester – Age Well is proud annouce the overwhelming success of it’s month-long March for Meal campaign, raising more than $225,000 to support critical nutrition services for older adults across Northweatern Vermont.
The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates a historic milestone in March 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed legislation amending the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for adults aged 60 and older. For more than 50 years, this federal investment has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network nationwide. Locally, the need continues to rise.
“Age Well serves as a lifeline for older adults in Northwestern Vermont, providing an array of services, including Meals on Wheels,” said Sara Wool, Chief Advancement Officer. “The demand for home-delivered meals continues to grow rapidly; at the same time, federal funding has remained largely flat for years, making community support more critical than ever. We have been in awe of the outpouring of support from the community, but there’s still more we can do to ensure everyone in need can benefit from this vital lifeline. Together, we can ensure our older neighbors stay healthy and nourished, remain independent, and can remain at home, where they want to be.”
During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the country came together to raise awareness and resources for this essential public-private partnership. In Northwestern Vermont, businesses, organizations, and individuals rallied in support of Age Well’s mission. As the largest provider of Meal on Wheels in Vermont, Age Well delivers more than 300,000 meals annually, supporting the health, independence, and dignity of thousands of older adults each year.
Age Well extends special recognition to its Champion and Gold Sponsors:
- Trio Community Meals
- NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
- Community Bank N.A.
- Bullrock Corporation
- Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club
- M&T Bank
- New England Air Systems
- O’Brien Brothers
- WCAX
- My Champlain Valley/ABC Local 22
- 92.9/VOX Media
Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, understood the importance of Meals on Wheels in addressing hunger and isolation among older adults striving to remain independent at home.
“Now is an important time for us unite to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Hollander. “In the face of soaring demand and costs that surpass out current resources, we need to come together as communities to bridge the gaps. We can’t do it alone-it takes all of us to March for Meals.”
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, more than 300,000 meals will continue to be delivered to older neighbors throughout the region-providing not only nutritious food, but also a friendly visit and critical safety check.
It’s more than a meal-it’s a lifeline.
About Age Well
Age Well is a nonprofit organization serving northwestern Vermont, dedicated to helping older adults age with dignity and independence. For 50 years, Age Well has provided Vermonters with the support needed to remain active, healthy, and independent at home. Its wide array of programs improves quality of life and health outcomes by reducing barriers to essential services, statewide helpline. Supported by staff and more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers, Age Well serves thousands of older adults, their families, and caregivers each year. To learn more, visit https://www.agewellvt.org
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