Meals on Wheels of Mercer County announced its participation in the nationwide “End the Wait” campaign, a program led by Meals on Wheels America to address hunger and isolation among seniors.
The campaign highlights the urgent need for additional resources to support seniors in local communities.
The “End the Wait” initiative aims to draw attention to the growing number of older adults waiting for access to essential services like nutritious meals and social connection.
MOWMC is joining other community-based providers across the country to call for increased government funding, donations, and volunteer support to expand their services.
“In the last year, we have experienced a 54% increase in the demand for our services in Mercer County,” said Beth Englezos, interim CEO and chief operations officer of MOWMC.
She added: “We appreciate the support our community has extended to us so far, but we need additional funding and volunteers to ensure every senior who could benefit from nutritious meals and social connection receives this vital lifeline.”
Englezos noted that 56% of the seniors served by MOWMC live alone, often without nearby family members. The program’s volunteers provide more than just meals, delivering personal care and companionship that is essential to the well-being of many older adults.
Despite the increased need, federal funding has not kept pace with the rising costs and the growing senior population. Only 1% of philanthropic donations in the U.S. are directed toward senior causes, according to Meals on Wheels America. Local programs like MOWMC are eager to expand their reach but require additional resources to do so.
“Across the country, local Meals on Wheels providers are working tirelessly to deliver seniors nutritious meals and moments of connection, but they could be reaching even more seniors and doing even more for them if they had additional resources,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.
“That’s why Meals on Wheels America launched a bold plan to End the Wait and ultimately ensure all seniors have access to the life-saving services they need to live nourished lives with independence and dignity,” Hollander said.
In honor of the End the Wait campaign and the anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, MOWMC is organizing a month-long event featuring local VIPs delivering meals throughout Mercer County to raise awareness.
For more information about volunteering or contributing to Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, visit mealsonwheelsmercer.org. To learn more about the End the Wait campaign, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/end-the-wait.
