Berks Encore has announced that it has received $32,500 from Meals on Wheels America, the national leadership organization supporting community-based programs across the U.S. dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger, to help bridge gaps in the availability of essential nutrition services in Berks County, PA.
Berks Encore was awarded a Meals on Wheels America Meeting Unmet Need Grant to deliver and expand nutrition options in our community, with the goal of serving the nutritional needs of underserved or unserved seniors and expanding access to medically tailored meals.
LuAnn Oatman, President/CEO Berks Encore shared “Berks County older adults deal with multiple chronic illnesses. The grant funds will be utilized to cover marketing costs essential for promoting the medically tailored meal program, BE Nourished, within the Berks County community and among healthcare providers. These expenses encompass the creation of informative brochures, digital advertisements, delivery vehicle “wraps”, and outreach materials in order to facilitate widespread awareness and engagements. Additionally, funds will support a targeted campaign to reach vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to the programs’ life-improving benefits.”
The approach to be used for BE Nourished marketing will be meticulously tailored to meet the diverse nutrition needs of Berks County’s older adult population diagnosed with diabetes and/or heart disease. The Study of the Delivery of Health and Public Health Services in Berks County released Spring 2023, indicates that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Berks County. By seeking partnerships with local healthcare organizations, our marketing strategy will be designed to resonate with the specific nutritional requirements and preferences of our clients.
“Given the growth in the older adult population, coupled with the impacts of the pandemic, inflation and other factors, it is vital that we invest in Meals on Wheels programs’ ability to expand services and reach all those in need,” said Ellie Hollander, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO. “We believe that no one knows better what these communities need than the boots on the ground staff and volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels service to their older adult neighbors every day, and we’re proud to support their efforts with these grants.”
Nearly $550,000 in grants were awarded to 26 local Meals on Wheels programs as part of the Meals on Wheels America Meeting Unmet Need grant program. In total, Meals on Wheels America has awarded $3.6 million in grants to local providers in 2024. Funding for Berks Encore’s grant was made possible by generous contributions from Meals on Wheels America partners Caesars Foundation and Food Lion Feeds, in addition to individual donors and supporters.
