Alexandria, VA, May 27, 2015 – Meals on Wheels America today announces a new collaboration with the American Red Cross’ Disaster Cycle Services to identify homebound seniors, provide feeding services and bolster disaster preparedness activities. This partnership is being announced in celebration of May’s Older Americans Month, which recognizes older Americans for their contributions to the nation and reminds us all that they should not be forgotten.

“Isolated seniors who lack mobility are particularly vulnerable in times of disaster,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Together with the American Red Cross and its local chapters, our local Meals on Wheels programs will open lines of communication that will ensure that our seniors are not only more prepared for emergencies, but also accounted for during response and recovery.”

Meals on Wheels America and the Red Cross will collaborate both nationally and locally by participating in preparedness activities, such as fire safety campaigns, response drills and exercises in local communities. They will also act as a referral for the location of homebound individuals during disaster response and recovery and assist with feeding and meal delivery when possible. 

“We are delighted to formalize our ongoing and productive relationship with Meals on Wheels America,” said Richard Reed, Senior Vice President of Disaster Cycle Services. “They have been working with many of our chapters and bring a wealth of expertise and access to help the Red Cross serve this important community.” 

Both Meals on Wheels America and Red Cross encourage its local members and chapters to engage in discussions and develop local activities that will better prepare the community to react during times of disaster. 

About Meals on Wheels America (formerly Meals On Wheels Association of America)
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. 

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.