By Sue Berg
Independent Living, Inc.
Three emergency grants were awarded to Evening Meals on Wheels to help low-income seniors receive food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program, under the auspices of Independent Living, Inc., prepares and delivers fresh, hot meals to older adults, including some in Northside neighborhoods. One entire meal-delivery route is dedicated to the Northside, and part of a second route covers Sherman Avenue and Maple Bluff, said Addie Endreson, manager of the Evening Meals on Wheels program.
“During this pandemic, it was a real concern that the volunteers we rely on to deliver meals would disappear. Instead, it’s been just the opposite,” she said. “We implemented safety standards and precautions for our volunteers, and they have gone above and beyond, picking up extra routes and delivery days. Plus new people have volunteered, knowing how important this program is.”
The grants will pay part or all of the cost of meals. The amount of the subsidy is determined by income. To receive a full subsidy, income must be at or below $18,735 per year for a single senior. To inquire about the program, call 608-274-7900 or email meals@independentlivinginc.org.
Grants were awarded from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County ($10,000), United Way of Dane County ($20,852) and City of Madison ($4,500). In addition, Horizons and Breakfast Rotary Clubs in Madison made contributions to the program after conducting in-club fundraising.
Seniors may have chronic conditions that make them more vulnerable to health issues, especially the coronavirus. Another complication is transportation. Getting groceries is a complicated matter now. For some, staying safe at home means giving up income from a part-time job.
“We have seen our program jump 20% in weekday meals and 35% in weekend meals,” CEO Brian Miller said. “The demand is coming from current clients who need meals more often and new clients. More than 80% of our new clients have very low incomes. It just emphasizes that seniors are our forgotten poor, and we’re grateful to the City of Madison, the Boys & Girls Club and United Way for helping us feed those in need.”