Friendship Meals News

Caldwell Volunteers

AGING PROJECTS, INC. NEWS ITEMS

NEW WHEELS FOR AGING PROJECTS, INC.

Grant from Wal-Mart Foundation and Meals on Wheels Association of American Helps Feed Seniors in Sumner County.

Aging Projects, Inc. sponsor of the Meals on Wheels/Friendship Meals program has been awarded a grant through the Wal-Mart Foundation to the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) to purchase a delivery vehicle, which is critical in providing meals to seniors in Sumner County. This financial support is desperately needed as many Meals on Wheels programs across the country continue to struggle with skyrocketing gasoline costs and rising food prices. The Wal-Mart Foundation-MOWAA “Building the Future” Impact grants is a blessing during these tough economic times according to Rozie O’Brien, Executive Director for Aging Projects, Inc. “Thanks to the Wal-Mart Foundation-MOWAA Impact grant, we now have a brighter future in our efforts to feed seniors in Sumner County.”

Local Wal-Mart Store Manager Mike Wallace presented the keys to API Board President Jesse Addis. Mr. Addis represents Sumer County on the Aging Projects, Inc. board of directors. This Van will deliver meals in five cities in Sumer County, making it possible to serve meals in these rural communities. The communities that will be served are Caldwell, South Haven, Wellington, Mayfield and Argonia. Mr. Wallace stated “that it is wonderful to work for an employer who helps to provide for the local communities that it serves. Wal-Mart works hard to assist local communities everywhere that we have stores.” Mr. Addis remarked that with state and federal money problems grants like the Impact Grant are critical to helping meal programs survive.

Wal-Mart associate Rita Figg’s husband is a delivery driver in Argonia. Once the meals are brought in from the Caldwell kitchen he then delivers the meals to the local participants in Argonia. Aging Projects, relies heavily upon volunteers to operate are program. Several local Wellington Volunteers were present when Manager Wallace presented API with the keys to the new vehicle. O’Brien stated that “API MOW/FM is always seeking volunteers of all ages to assist in our meal program. Last year in our 10 county area we had over 66,000 volunteer hours in our 10 county area that we serve. API meals are available to anyone 60 or older. There are 8 meals sites in Sumner County. Everyone is Welcome.”