Generations launches “No One Goes Hungry” campaign to fund home-delivered meals

Fundraising efforts are underway to supply needed meals to homebound older adults in our community

Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging, has launched its holiday fundraising campaign, “No One Goes Hungry,” to provide much-needed nutritional assistance to homebound older adults across Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Martin, and Pike counties.

The effort, which runs through the holiday season, aims to raise funds to reduce the current waiting list for Home Delivered Meals and provide this much-needed service to local older adults. As the costs of and need for these services have increased, the funding has not. Currently, 265 individuals are waiting for this vital nutritional assistance, and community support is critical. Every contribution will make a direct impact at home. Donations can be made online at www.generationsnetwork.org or by mail to Generations MOW, PO Box 314, Vincennes, IN 47491.

One in nine people in our community are struggling to find reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. For over 50 years, Generations has been a part of the community. During that time, the Home Delivered Meals program has provided a lifeline to homebound older adults in the six-county area, but funding has not kept the pace. The number of those needing help continues to rise, and the cost per meal has increased by 30% in the past few years. However, federal and state funds have not been adjusted accordingly.

Currently available funding cannot meet the demand for this needed assistance. Without adequate funding, Generations has had to implement a waiting list for this much-needed service. This increases the likelihood of malnutrition, serious health issues, and social isolation to an already vulnerable population. In addition, alternative resources such as food banks and government assistance are also struggling to keep up with demand.

“As of July 1, 2024, we were forced to make a heart-wrenching decision, placing new applications from homebound older adults on a waiting list—a measure we haven’t had to take before,” said Laura Holscher, Executive Director of Generations. “It is extremely disheartening for us to turn away frail, homebound individuals. Funds raised will help bridge this gap and ensure our neighbors get the vital support they need.”

Home Delivered Meals do more than nourish the body; they remind those in need that someone cares. Donations will make a direct impact here at home, helping neighbors, family members, and friends. Together, the community can provide more than a meal and ensure No One Goes Hungry.

Generations, a part of Vincennes University’s Community Service Division, is the Area 13 Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Martin, and Pike counties in Indiana. Generations coordinates and provides a comprehensive array of home and community-based services and supports needed to make it possible to “age in place” within the individual’s own community and preferred living environment. Generations Mission is to provide older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers options for a better quality of life. Generations can be contacted by calling 1-800-742-9002 or 812-888-5880 or online at http://www.generationsnetwork.org.

For further information, please contact Laura Holscher at (812) 888-5155 or LHolscher@vinu.edu.Offering older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers options for a better quality of life.