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WCF program delivers 1 million
meals to older adults in Texas, Florida
Milestone comes on eve of today’s 50th anniversary
of Older Americans Nutrition Program Act
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF) has now served 1 million meals to older adults at no cost in Texas and Florida through a program that ramped up in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak, 11 WCF senior centers in Texas and Florida shuttered their doors in early March 2020, cutting off daily access to nutrition programs that served thousands of older adults.
The WCF immediately pivoted to providing a curbside, or drive-up, food delivery service. The program, which began March 16, 2020, served meal No. 1 million earlier this month.
The milestone comes as officials mark the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, which provides funding for the bulk of meals served in WCF senior centers.
“This is a remarkable and meaningful accomplishment, and it is appropriate that we celebrate this on March 22, the date of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program,” said Bob Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs.
“What makes this million meal milestone even more significant is that it was accomplished during the pandemic when nutrition programs endured the biggest change in their history. They went from a program where nationally 2/3 of older adults were served in congregate settings to one where almost 100 percent were served in homes or via grab-and-go meals,” Blancato said.
“It is a testament to the leadership of the WellMed Charitable Foundation, and to the dedicated and resilient staff and volunteers who saw this project through. They clearly understand that maintaining nutrition services is vital to maintaining a good quality of life for older adults.”
WellMed employees delivered seniors food in their automobiles through rain and wind, frigid winter conditions, and scorching summer heat. When inclement weather affects curbside services, staff ensures that seniors have access to emergency, shelf-stable meals.
“We want to thank our senior center staff for their tireless efforts and congratulate them on 1 million curbside meals,” said Carol Zernial, WCF executive director. “We also offer a heartfelt thanks to our nutrition program partners that make this outreach possible.”
Partners in the WCF curbside meals program are:
To learn more about the WCF senior center programs, visit www.wellmedgives.org.
B-ROLL FOR TV NEWS MEDIA
(Video courtesy The Customer Story).
The WellMed Charitable Foundation (www.wellmedgives.org) is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization that supports seniors and their caregivers with special emphasis on wellness, prevention and living with chronic illness. Established in 2006 by Dr. George M. Rapier III, a noted physician and the Chairman of the Board, the Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to non-profit groups. The Foundation oversees several initiatives benefiting seniors and caregivers, including Caregiver SOS resource centers, the Caregiver Teleconnection, and senior center health and wellness programs in Texas and Florida.
For Media Inquiries
Dan Calderón
(210) 693-2744