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.