(Pictured: Our Registered Dieticians Ellen Goldman and Tori Murphy at Mystic Valley’s recent Nutrition Open House.)
For too many of our neighbors, nutrition is threatened by a fixed income or increased costs like prescriptions and utilities. There are barriers to food security that are specific to older adults and people with disabilities. Here are three ways Mystic Valley Elder Services’ programs overcome these obstacles and three ways you can help.
1. Meals Where They’re Needed
Mobility is a challenge for many older adults and people with disabilities. Transportation can also be a barrier. We deliver nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to homes through our Meals on Wheels program.
We also provide meals at sites around our community. For many individuals, visiting a senior center or community center may be the one trip they’re able to arrange.
2. Preventing Malnutrition
Access to food isn’t the only issue. The quality of the food is equally important. An estimated 1 in 4 older adults are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The good news: nationwide, home-delivered meal and recipients are significantly less likely to be malnourished.
Mystic Valley Elder Services’ staff dietician oversees all our menus to ensure they’re rich in healthy nutrients and low in harmful components like sugars and fats. We also offer medically tailored menus for reduced carbs, heart health, renal care and more.
3. Affordability for All
Our meals are available for a suggested contribution of just $2. This is a voluntary donation, not a fee. Recipients are encouraged to pay whatever amount works within their budget, even if that means not paying at all.
No one is ever turned away. Affordability is a critical part of our meal programs, especially now, when day-to-day costs like groceries and gas can be a challenge.
3 Ways You Can Help
1. Donate. Government funding cuts of nearly $200,000 threaten our ability to meet the growing need. You can make a difference.
- $50 provides one week of meals for someone who would otherwise go hungry.
- $500 supports one month of meals and wellness visits for an isolated older adult.
Every amount makes a difference. Visit www.mves.org/donate to help our mission.
2. Volunteer. We welcome volunteers at our Nutrition Program. Email [email protected] to learn more.
3. Make a referral. If you know an older adult or an adult with disabilities who might benefit from nutritional support, please refer them to us. Call 781-324-7705 or email [email protected] to get started.
March is a perfect time to support Mystic Valley’s meal programs. It’s not only National Nutrition Month, it’s also March For Meals, a celebration of the U.S. establishing a national nutrition program for older adults in 1972.