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