Funding supports efforts to ‘End the Wait’ for older adults

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens has received $149,000 in grant funding from Meals on Wheels America through the national organization’s 2026 Meeting Unmet Need initiative, which supports local providers working to address senior hunger and isolation.

The funding is part of $6 million in grants distributed by Meals on Wheels America to community-based providers nationwide, helping programs expand services and reach more older adults in need.

“This grant will make a meaningful difference for seniors in our community,” said AASC CEO Brian Beck. “With this support, we will be able to eliminate all 55 individuals currently on our waiting list for home-delivered meals, as well as making sure additional older adults receive the nutritious meals and connection they need to live safely and independently.”

AASC serves homebound older adults in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties with home-delivered meals, but demand for Meals on Wheels services continues to grow as more older adults face food insecurity and social isolation.

Through the Meeting Unmet Need initiative, Meals on Wheels America awarded $6 million in grants to 22 local providers nationwide, helping expand meal delivery, increase program capacity and reduce waitlists in communities across the country.

“Across the country, Meals on Wheels providers are working tirelessly to meet the growing needs of older adults in their communities,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Through our Meeting Unmet Need initiative, we are investing in local programs so they can expand their reach and ensure more seniors receive the nutritious meals, human connection and support they need to live safely and independently.”

The grants are expected to help local providers deliver meals and services to an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 additional seniors nationwide.

Meals on Wheels America’s Meeting Unmet Need initiative is part of the organization’s broader effort to End the Wait™, a national campaign aimed at ensuring every senior who needs Meals on Wheels services can receive them.

To learn more about Appalachian Agency and how you can help support local seniors, call 276-964-4915 or visit aasc.org

Low-income seniors in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties may sign up now for the Farm Market Fresh program. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program helps low-income seniors obtain free fresh produce. Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens administers the program locally.

To qualify, individuals must be at least 60 years old and reside in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell or Tazewell counties. They may not live in the same household and may not be an immediate family member of the farmer who grows the produce. Income eligibility for a household of 1 is $1,957, and for a household of 2 is $2,644 per month.

Eligible seniors receive benefits worth $50, which they may spend with participating certified retail farmers’ market vendors. Individuals may choose digital benefits or a card that will be mailed to them. The program is open from June 1 through November.

Enrollees may use the benefits to obtain locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs, including broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, green beans, snap beans, green peppers, lima beans, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, apples, blackberries, cantaloupe, nectarines, peaches, pears, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelons and fresh cut herbs.

Items not eligible for purchase include produce not grown locally, such as oranges, bananas and pineapples; processed foods, such as honey, maple syrup, cider, nuts, meat, bread and cheese; and non-food items, such as flowers and plants.

Call Appalachian Agency at 276-964-4915 to complete your application or visit FarmMarketFresh.org. to complete your application online.

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens shall comply with applicable provisions of Titles VI, VII and IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.  The agency shall comply with applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all guidelines and interpretations issued pursuant thereto.  In accordance with the Virginia Fair Employment Contracting Act, AASC shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the agency. AASC shall conform to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, to the extent required by federal and state law, consistent with the confidentiality requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Code of Virginia.  For comment or inquiry, contact CEO Brian Beck or CFO Carolyn Counts, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, PO Box 765, Cedar Bluff, VA  24609; telephone: 276-964-4915, e-mail address: [email protected].

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens is accepting bids for Title III Older Americans Act services to be provided in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Contact CEO Brian Beck or CFO Carolyn Counts, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, PO Box 765, Cedar Bluff, VA  24609; telephone 276-964-4915; or e-mail to [email protected] for additional information.  Closing date to receive bids is 2:00 PM, May 8, 2026.

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens celebrated the grand opening of its new Bristol PACE Center on March 19, marking another step forward in expanding care and support for older adults across the region. Located at 180 Bristol East Road, off Exit 7, the center opened its doors to participants on March 1.

The Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly is designed to help older adults live safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes and communities. Serving individuals age 55 and older who qualify for nursing home-level care, PACE provides comprehensive medical care, social services, and daily support — all tailored to meet each participant’s unique needs.

The Bristol PACE Center features a full-service medical clinic, physical and occupational therapy areas and a day center where participants enjoy meals, activities and social connections. Transportation is a major component of the PACE program, providing participants with transportation to and from the center, as well as to specialty medical appointments and outings for shopping and other enjoyable activities.

Mike Ratliff, chairman of the AASC board of directors, welcomed a large crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening, including representatives of U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and Virginia Sen. Todd Pillion. Delegate Israel O’Quinn was on hand and shared a few remarks. Bristol Mayor Jake Holmes officially welcomed the new facility to the city and the Bristol Virginia Chamber of Commerce coordinated a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

AASC Chief Executive Officer Brian Beck expressed appreciation to the project’s funders, including federally-appropriated Congressionally Directed Spending, which supported building renovations; the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, which funded the purchase of two handicapped-accessible vans; and The United Company Foundation, which helped purchase medical and therapy equipment.

“From an economic standpoint, we opened this facility with 29 PACE participants and 10 dedicated staff members,” Beck said. “This new center allows us to better serve our community by bringing care closer to home – leading to more timely care, stronger relationships and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.”

Dana Collins, AASC PACE director, explained how the program works, highlighting the interdisciplinary team approach to develop a plan of care for participants that includes social work, clinic staff, therapy staff, adult day center staff, in-home care aides and others who provide services for participants. She expressed hope that, “one day, all counties in Virginia will offer PACE services to all of the older adults who need them.”

Jennifer Boyd from the Virginia PACE Alliance echoed those sentiments, noting that PACE offers the full continuum of care to older adults who wish to stay in their homes and she was glad to welcome the opening of another PACE center.

For participants, the impact of the program is meaningful. As one participant shared, “PACE gets me out of the house, and I get to spend time with my friends. I come here every day, and I’m so happy to be in the program. It has made such a big difference in my life.”

If you or a loved one could benefit from PACE services, call AASC at 276-964-4915 for more information or visit www.aasc.org to learn more.

Medicare open enrollment begins Oct. 15, and runs until Dec. 7. In 2025, Medicare will undergo some of the most significant changes in a generation. Most of these changes result from the Inflation Reduction Act.

There is a new out-of-pocket spending cap for Medicare Part D plans with prescription drug coverage that will have a $2,000 limit. This is the first time in Medicare history that there is a cap on out-of-pocket costs. Also, Medicare Part D plans will offer a new payment plan that allows enrollees to pay for prescription drugs in monthly installments instead of all at once.

Medicare will eliminate the “donut hole” coverage gap.  There will be expanded benefits for family caregivers and increased access to mental health providers. Starting Jan. 1, U.S. Postal Service employees, retirees and their families will get coverage through a new benefits program.

Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will receive a letter in the middle of 2025 about unused benefits. There will also be stricter marketing rules and midyear coverage notices.

This may seem confusing, but AASC participates in the Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program and can help you navigate the Medicare system. AASC counselors are not licensed to sell insurance but are trained to explain the various Medicare plans, costs, coverages and benefits. They will help educate and empower individuals to understand the different insurance plans.

If you need assistance or have any questions, call Appalachian Agency at 276-964-4915, and ask to speak with a VICAP counselor.