The Issues by the Number

Even the most independent among us, if fortunate to live long enough, may experience a decline in mobility or health that can strip away our independence and diminish the quality of our lives. Great advances in medicine have extended our average life expectancy to a record high of 78.7 years. Living longer means more years spent in the struggles that accompany old age. Add to that the increase in geographic mobility of our families and the result is millions of seniors left behind, hungry, and alone.

TOO MANY SENIORS IN MASSACHUSETTS ARE LEFT BEHIND, ALONE, AND HUNGRY, STRUGGLING TO STAY INDEPENDENT AND HEALTHY

The rate of hunger among seniors aged 60 and older has increased by 45% since 2001, a lingering effect of the 2008-2009 recession. At the current rate, the number of food-insecure seniors may grow to more than 8 million by 2050. Hunger pains can be increasingly painful as we age:

Number of seniors isolated or living alone

374,103

Number of seniors threatened by hunger

140,330

Number of seniors living in or near poverty

344,375

We can provide a senior Meals on Wheels for 1 YEAR for roughly the same cost as 1 DAY in a hospital.

While we all celebrate the increase in lifespan, maintaining health while aging comes with a price. Without support from programs like Meals on Wheels, millions of seniors are forced to prematurely trade their homes for nursing facilities.

Meals on Wheels saves us all billions of dollars in unnecessary Medicaid and Medicare expenses every year – tax dollars that can be spent in much better ways.

MEALS ON WHEELS IN BOSTON DELIVERS THE SUPPORT THAT KEEPS SENIORS IN THEIR OWN HOMES, WHERE THEY WANT TO BE.

For millions of Americans, Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meal programs are literally the difference between remaining in their own homes and needing to relocate to a nursing facility. The nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check help them cope with three of the biggest threats of aging: hunger, isolation, and loss of independence. Research proves that when seniors have the right support, they gain greater quality of life, need fewer hospital stays, and live longer.

of eligible seniors are enrolled and receiving SNAP benefits (formerly Food Stamps) — making assistance programs for SNAP enrollment that much more important for seniors.

say it enables them to remain living at home

say it improves their health

say it makes them feel more safe and secure

Information for Participants

Every weekday, Ethos brings hot, nutritious meals to thousands of homebound elderly residents in Boston.

Along with a well-balanced meal, our Meals on Wheels drivers serve up a cheerful, consistent presence while also keeping a watchful eye over each recipient’s health and safety.

The Ethos Meals on Wheels Program caters to many tastes, with menus that feature, Kosher, Caribbean, Asian, Vietnamese, Italian, African American, vegetarian, and therapeutic dishes as well as traditional American fare.

Based on their individual needs, elders may also receive frozen weekend meals, cold meals, and nutritional supplements.

If you or someone you know is unable to shop for and prepare food that meets the requirements of good daily nutrition, Ethos will deliver tasty, nourishing meals right to the door.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this service, you must be:

  • Residing within the city of Boston
  • At least 60 years of age
  • Either temporarily or permanently homebound.

HOW TO INITIATE SERVICES

ETHOS Nutrition Department
555 Amory Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
T: (617) 477-6606
meals@ethocare.org

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