The Heritage Area Agency on Aging is excited to announce a fundraising telethon to bring greater support and awareness for the Senior Nutrition Home Delivered and Congregate Meal Program.

Two events this weekend will help to raise the needed funding. There will be a food drive this Saturday at the Vinton Fareway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fill the Plate telethon will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm on KCRG 9.2.

Two primary goals have been established: raise funds to help mitigate a serious shortfall in funding this year and increase awareness and local engagement for this critical program now and into the future. All funds raised will go to the Heritage Area Agency on Aging Senior Home Delivered and Congregate Meal Program.

Last year, in partnership with local providers, the Heritage Area Agency on Aging provided 490,000 home delivered and congregate meals to low income, frail seniors in East Central Iowa in Linn, Johnson, Benton, Cedar, Jones, Johnson, Iowa, and Washington counties.

On July 1st the Heritage Area Agency on Aging was forced to cut the number ofmeals it provides by 83,000. According to a recent National Meals on Wheels Association study, 1 in 6 older adults in America face food insecurity and do not have regular access to food and must make choices between basic life necessities such as housing and essential medical care.

In addition, 2010 census data shows an increase in the number of seniors in Iowa living at or below the federal poverty level of an annual income of $10,890, particularly in the rural counties.

The Heritage Senior Nutrition Home Delivered and Congregate Meal Program provides meals that meet the nutrient requirements of older adults based on the most recent science. Proper nourishment reduces the risk of disabilities related to chronic illness and supports better mental and physical function. A strong nutrition program to support seniors in our region is critical for seniors to be able to retain their health and to support their ability to stay in their own homes and avoid institutional placement.

For nearly 40 years, the Heritage Area Agency on Aging has helped fund nutritionally balanced meals for seniors either at home or in a congregate setting, targeting low income, rural, frail seniors to receive meals. Individuals age 60 and older now make up 20% of Iowa’s population.

Despite a growing aging population, funding for the program has not kept pace with the needs of seniors and with increasing food and transportation costs, Heritage is no longer able to sustain the number of meals it helps fund in the region.

If you are unable to donate at either of these events, just go to the website to make a donation.  Each meal costs $5.00...feel 1, a couple, or a 100! www.kirkwood.edu/filltheplate