7 Reasons Why The Meals On Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund Should Be Your Feel-Good Gift This Spring

Make a difference this March when you donate online at Macy's to support the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund.

1. Nearly 7.4 million seniors have incomes below the poverty line.

That amounts to an income of $240 or less per week. When you factor in the high cost of housing, utilities, and medical expenses, that leaves very little for food. Half of seniors living alone lack the financial resources needed to take care of basic needs. Meals on Wheels works to alleviate some of that financial burden by providing home-delivered meals to those who need it most.

2. Macy's makes it super easy to donate to the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund.

When you shop online at Macy's during the month of March, you can choose to donate to Meals on Wheels America. Last year, Macy's customers helped raise more than $7 million to support 270 local hunger relief organizations, including the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund, through customer and colleague donations.

3. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 89% of programs reported increased demand for meals practically overnight.

Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk from COVID-19. Safely delivering meals to those in need has never been more difficult or more important. Thankfully, local Meals on Wheels programs stepped up to this monumental challenge — just a few months in, they were already serving an average of 77% more meals than they were than they were pre-pandemic.

4. It only takes $10 to provide a meal and a friendly visit to a senior in need.

So even small donations make a big impact!

5. Meals on Wheels has grown to be one of the largest and most effective social movements in America.

Meals on Wheels began as a compassionate idea. Pre-pandemic, this national network of community-based senior nutrition programs consisted of millions of volunteers who served almost 2.4 million seniors annually across the US, and delivered 221 million meals per year.

6. Meals on Wheels delivers more than just meals.

Meals on Wheels volunteers help prevent social isolation and address safety hazards, providing holistic care through their in-home visits. Nine out of ten program participants say Meals on Wheels helps them live independently.

7. Nine out of ten recipients say Meals on Wheels improves their health.

Meals on Wheels can serve a senior for an entire year for the same cost as one day in a hospital and 10 days in a nursing home, helping more seniors live independently!

Meals on Wheels works hard to support communities across the nation. Head to Macy's and donate online to help provide essential nutrition and friendly visits to vulnerable seniors.

Images via Getty.