Broward Meals on Wheels Launches Awareness Campaign to Serve More Seniors During the Holidays
Organization requests support from the community this season to protect Broward's seniors from isolation and hunger
Plantation, FL, November 3, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Broward Meals on Wheels is one of 5,000 local Meals on Wheels programs across the country working every day to protect millions of seniors from the threats of isolation and hunger – an effort made possible by generous donors and volunteers who help in communities just like Broward County all across America. The number of seniors right here in our county continues to grow rapidly, and it will take many more of us to meet the escalating need. Due to the increased demand, the organization is launching a holiday awareness campaign to assist more seniors than ever before.
“Broward Meals on Wheels is powered by everyday people standing up to lend a caring hand to their aging neighbors,” said Mark Adler, Executive Director of Broward Meals on Wheels. “We need many more helping hands and generous donors to enable us to be there for more seniors. We’re optimistic that this holiday awareness campaign will help shed light upon the critical need to our local programs, fill a broader range of volunteer needs, and make it easier for those interested in helping us to put food on the tables.”
Due to the rapidly growing number of seniors in need, Broward Meals on Wheels has had to implement a waiting list for the first time in its 30 year history. Currently, there are 627 seniors on our waiting list for Older Americans Act-funded home delivered meals. Broward Meals on Wheels has been forced to prioritize who will receive meals and of the 4 priority levels, 95% of the older adults on the list are in the top 2 neediest ranks: Priority 1 and Priority 2. Priority 1 clients are physically unable leave their home, have no reliable support system and cannot prepare meals for themselves. They may also suffer from severe physical ailments such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Priority 2 clients may be able to get out with assistance, and may have some degree of caregiver to assist them; however they are on a fixed income, cannot usually afford nutritious food, and are not physically able to visit a congregate dining site.
Members of the community can get involved by donating their time, talents or treasure to help further the mission and help take seniors off the waiting list. Individuals or corporations interested in donating or volunteering with Broward Meals on Wheels can learn more and sign up at www.bmow.org.
About Broward Meals on Wheels
Broward Meals on Wheels is a private nonprofit organization providing hunger-relief services since 1985. Their mission is to end hunger across all ages with kindness, dignity and compassion. Broward Meals on Wheels serves more than 10,000 seniors an estimated 1.5 million meals annually throughout Broward County. Their volunteer family helps administer programs and services including: home meal delivery, community-based dining, meals for companion pets, grocery shopping and emergency meals. For more information, please call 954.731.8770 or visit www.bmow.org.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, research, education and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.