A recent article in the Boston Globe highlights the crucial role that the Meals on Wheels program plays in the lives of millions of older adults across the country who are food insecure and isolated. Sadly, food insecurity and social isolation are widespread problems that can have devastating affects on older adults. One of the crucial services available to older adults nationally is the Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels provides healthy food to people who experience hunger due to poverty, social isolation, immobility, or illness. In addition to delivering food, Meals on Wheels volunteers also offer companionship and another set of trained eyes on a person’s home life. For some people, the volunteer is the only person they see or talk to all day. This “emotional nourishment” provided by volunteers such as Vito LaMura, the volunteer from Minuteman Senior Services featured in the Globe article, is why the Meals on Wheels program is such an invaluable asset in combating food insecurity, social isolation, and elder abuse.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and 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, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information,visit http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org 
The Elder Abuse Prevention Project of Greater Boston Legal Services 