Walmart Donates Major Gift to Senior Resources’ Meals On Wheels Program
May 19, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – The Walmart Foundation, through its State Giving Program, has awarded Senior Resources a $47,817 grant to help reduce its Meals on Wheels waiting list. A check presentation will be held Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, one of Senior Resources’ Meals on Wheels distribution sites. This generous grant will enable Senior Resources to address the serious issue of “senior hunger” faced by many seniors in our community. Expected to attend are the Walmart Marketing Team, Senior Resources and their Board of Directors, Mayor Steve Benjamin, representatives from AARP, Councilman Cameron Runyan, Meals on Wheels volunteers and advocates, and other dignitaries.
In Richland County, Senior Resources is the only Meals on Wheels provider, and currently has a waiting list of 150 seniors. With a corps of more than 1200 volunteers, our Meals on Wheels program delivers more than 7000 hot, nutritious noon-time meals each month to our clients’ homes. The beneficiaries of our Meals on Wheels program are the elderly in our community who cannot maintain an adequate, healthy diet, either because of transportation or financial constraints. Nearly three-fourths of our clients are at or below 200% of the national poverty level. Without meal delivery, many of our clients would be forced to choose between paying for food or medication, or household expenses. The Meals on Wheels Association of America ranks South Carolina as one of the top ten states with the highest hunger risk for seniors.
Pam Dukes, Executive Director for Senior Resources, says that the Walmart grant comes at a critical time for the organization. “We have worked hard to reduce our Meals on Wheels waiting list. However, we learned last week that the United Way has shifted priorities, and intends to cut funding for our senior programs by $107,000. Because of these cuts, we are especially grateful to Walmart for their generous gift to help fill the gap so that seniors don’t go hungry.”
“The Walmart Foundation is very proud to support Senior Resources’ Meals on Wheels Program,” said Bill Wertz, a company spokesperson. “Walmart understands the importance of making sure that seniors have access to nutritious, affordable meals at home, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. We are delighted to be able to play a role in this important program.”
About Senior Resources, Inc:
Senior Resources is a non-profit organization that coordinates services, provides resources and encourages the personal choices that allow Columbia’s senior population to remain independent. All activities, services and programs of the agency are geared toward promoting independent living, with the goal of helping seniors remain in their homes as long as possible through the support of staff and volunteers, and delaying or preventing institutionalization.
Since 1967, Senior Resources has served Columbia’s frail and elderly residents in three areas:
1) In-home services, including Meals on Wheels, home care, respite care, senior companion services, and case management;
2) Community-based services, including congregate meals, wellness centers, transportation, and physical fitness;
3) Volunteer services, including the Senior Companion program, Foster Grandparent program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
With local, state and federal government funding, as well as contributions from United Way, personal donations and fundraising activities, Senior Resources offers a variety of programs so that our clients can select the assistance they need to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. With the support of our staff and volunteers, our services touch the lives of more than 4,000 Midlands residents.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. The South Carolina State Giving Program awarded more than $1.3 million to local organizations. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.
