The Vital Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting seniors and local communities, made a $200,000 contribution to Meals on Wheels People to ensure vulnerable seniors in the Portland metro area have access to meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation is the first gift from a non-profit organization for Meals on Wheels People’s $2 Million COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Funds will be used to produce additionalmeals for thousands of homebound elderly.
“The requests for meals for homebound seniors have increased 300 percent since the pandemic began,” said Meals on Wheels People CEO Suzanne Washington. “We serve a frail and elderly population, many of whom depend on Meals on Wheels for their only food of the day. While Oregon’s shelter in place is in effect, we really do not have the option of not serving them. The demand for meals has increased dramatically and support from organizations like the Vital Life Foundation is critical.”
Meals on Wheels People hopes to raise $2 million to cover the increased costs of food and labor during the pandemic. To make a donation, visit mowp.org/donate.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Meals on Wheels People,” said The Vital Life Foundation Executive Director Ann Adrian. “Their dedication to serving our most vulnerable senior community members during these unprecedented times with nutritious meals and wellness checks has never been more important. We salute the many volunteers who have stepped up in heroic ways to support their mission.”
About Meals on Wheels People: Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation, but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit: mowp.org.
About Vital Life Foundation: The Vital Life Foundation is a 503 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports causes and resources that help seniors. It has helped more than 100,000 seniors since it was established in 2008 and is dedicated to supporting organizations and programs that provide meaning and vitality in the lives of seniors and staff members living and working in senior care. Vital Life Foundation was created by Marquis Companies, a long-term care, assisted living and home health care company, along with its sister company that provides pharmacy, rehabilitation, staffing and consulting to the long-term care community, Consonus Healthcare Services. For more information, visit vitallifefoundation.org. To learn how you can send messages of love and support through ‘Operation Send Seniors Love’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/VirtuallyVital.