Arlington, VA, August 31, 2020 – Meals on Wheels America, the national leadership association dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation, today kicks off its first-ever Virtual Conference for more than 2,000 attendees representing nearly 900 local, community-based senior nutrition programs from across the country. With more than 600 programs applying for and receiving more than $28 million in emergency funding from Meals on Wheels America this year to date, the association made it possible for its members to attend the four-day virtual event at no cost with the help of its generous sponsors.
“It was important to us to provide time for the frontline heroes of the Meals on Wheels network to reflect on the past year, refocus on the new normal and recharge for the road ahead,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “The attendees of this Conference are the ones who sprang into action during the early days of COVID-19 to adapt their meal delivery methods and who continue to serve nearly 50% more seniors than they did prior to March.”
Since 1974, Meals on Wheels America has hosted an annual convening of experts and leaders from senior nutrition programs across the country for in-person learning, inspiring keynotes and networking events designed to connect, align and reinvigorate the network. The public health and safety of its attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, staff, and most importantly the high-risk population that is counting on Meals on Wheels during this uncertain time and always, led the organization to reimagine its annual event in a new and virtual way.
This year’s programming will focus on the network's most pressing challenges and opportunities:
- Meals on Wheels in the time of COVID-19 – innovations and adaptations that will become the “new normal” way of operating, especially as they pertain to combatting social isolation;
- Racial disparities in food security, healthcare and our society as a whole; and
- Emerging and evolving opportunities to serve more seniors, particularly in the healthcare ecosystem.
This year’s Title Sponsor, TRIO Community Meals, is one of the generous organizations that helped to make it all possible.
“TRIO Community Meals is honored and humbled to support the Meals on Wheels network during an unprecedented year,” said John Kirk, Managing Director, TRIO Community Meals. “Now more than ever, we must come together to ensure that these critical programs are surviving and thriving, and that each and every homebound senior continues to receive the nutritious meals they rely on.”
This year’s platinum sponsors include Oliver Packaging and Equipment, PetSmart Charities, Subaru of America and The Home Depot Foundation, all of which, along with TRIO, are longstanding allies in Meals on Wheels America’s efforts to ensure that no senior is forgotten or left behind. To learn more about the Meals on Wheels Virtual Conference and Expo taking part August 31 – September 3, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
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ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves 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.
Contact: Jenny Young, press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org