Locals celebrate March for Meals

CRESCO - “Every year, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) celebrates March for Meals, and this year deserves a very special recognition for our Meals on Wheels program,” said Kristie Wiltgen, Regional Director at Decorah. 

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that provides funding for nutrition services for seniors and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.

To recognize the half-century distinction, Howard County Supervisor and NEI3A board member (four years) and president (two years), Pat Murray, was the celebrity helper.

On March 30, Murray helped deliver meals around the Cresco community.

“This is my first time as a community celebrity,” said Murray. “This program is super important.” 

During the pandemic, there were no daily deliveries, but NEI3A made sure their clients had food. “We did two frozen meals a day, delivered weekly. That was 14 meals every week,” explained Wiltgen.

She stated how important the meal volunteers are to the program. “Our volunteers are essential. We are part of 18 counties with a staff of 50.”

NEI3A, working with dedicated volunteers, local restaurants and vendors, delivered 295,181 meals to older Iowans last year. With approximately 30% of individuals at 65 and over living alone in the NEI3A service area, many individuals are at risk of social isolation. 

“Our volunteers deliver more than just a nutritious meal; they also provide a vital lifeline and connection to the community, which are sometimes all it takes to help these older individuals remain independent,” Wiltgen said.

America’s senior population is growing rapidly, outpacing the resources available to serve vulnerable older adults and putting their health and well-being in jeopardy. Meals on Wheels programs, like NEI3A’s home-delivered meals, effectively address aging challenges by promoting health and improving the quality of life for at-risk seniors. 

Through these programs, staff have the opportunity to keep seniors healthy and independent at home, where they want to be, and save billions in tax dollars by keeping them out of more costly healthcare alternatives.

NEI3A strives for community awareness and we want to educate everyone about this vital service. 

One may ask how you can support the meals on wheels program? There are a number of ways. Speak out to your legislators for continued funding to keep nutrition programs strong for our growing elderly population; donations and contributions are accepted at your local Area Agency on Aging; or volunteer in your community to deliver meals. 

A volunteer provides that vital lifeline to individuals most at risk, decreasing food insecurity and being a regular check-in for that senior who otherwise may not have anyone else securing their well-being. Volunteering for meals on wheels is extremely rewarding and makes a difference in the lives of our Seniors!    

Call NEI3A for additional information about Meals on Wheels, how you can contribute or to learn about other services NEI3A provides to enable our elderly to maintain their independence, call 1-800-779-8707.