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 Lincoln, IL 2-21-17 –
”The services that we provide the seniors of Logan and Mason
Counties are critical and the need is rapidly increasing,” said
Becky Leamon, Director of CAPCIL’s Nutrition Services Program.
“Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at
home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”
Since 2002, Meals on Wheels America has led the annual awareness
campaign in an effort to fill the gap between the seniors served and
those in need that is widening due to increased demand with a
rapidly aging population combined with declining public and private
resources, and rising food, transportation and operational costs.
This March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs, like
CAPCIL’s Nutrition Services Program, will reach out to their
communities to build the support that will enable them to deliver
nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to America's
seniors all year long.
 “March is a time for us all to rally around Meals on Wheels,” said
Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Our
ability to meet the needs of vulnerable seniors lies in the
willingness and generosity of businesses, government and concerned
individuals of all ages to contribute in their own way. It not only
makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at
home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and
our nation at large.”
For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute or speak
out for the seniors in Logan and Mason Counties and across the
country, visit www.marchformeals.com.
About CAPCIL’s Nutrition Services Program:
CAPCIL is a private, non-profit organization that serves the
low-income and senior populations throughout 6 Central Illinois
counties. It is the mission of CAPCIL, in partnership with
communities in our service area, to empower persons with low income
and the aged by creating and implementing poverty-fighting
initiatives for those in crisis and those that endeavor a life of
lasting independence. In support of this mission, CAPCIL's Senior
Nutrition Program is a vital and integral part of helping seniors
remain independent and stay in their homes. The meals are offered as
a suggested donation of $3.00 per meal however no one is denied for
inability to donate. Home delivered and congregate meals are
provided to eligible individuals age 60 and over with a focus on
those in greatest economic or social need. We serve an average of
2285 home delivered meals a month and about 130 people per delivery
day, Monday Wednesday and Friday. CAPCIL serves an average of 684
congregate meals each month and about 37 people per day. Each meal
contains 1/3 of the Dietary Reference Intake(DRI), receive approval
by a Registered Dietitian and are prepared in CAPCIL's central
kitchen.
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Volunteers are an essential function of the program and are greatly needed to
carry out the daily operation of delivering meals. Staff and volunteers are
trained in food safety and to recognize signs of abuse or neglect and are
required to report this and any unusual activity or behavior to their
supervisor. It is important to note that the meal driver may be the only person
some of the seniors see in a day and the driver offers more than a meal. They
offer a smile and social interaction along with a safety check to the seniors.
This provides the family a sense of comfort knowing that their loved one is
being taken care of in this way. CAPCIL's Senior Nutrition Program is partially
funded by Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland and Logan County United Way as
well as private donations. All donations and volunteers are welcome and
encouraged to help with the mission of ensuring no senior is forgotten or goes
hungry.
For more information on CAPCIL’s Senior Nutrition Program, volunteering, or
other CAPCIL programs please visit their website at
www.capcil.info or by calling 217-732-2159.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization
supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across
the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This
network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than
two million 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, research, education
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.
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