7th annual ‘Feed Seniors Now’ food drive begins March 16

Nearly one in six senior citizens is at risk of hunger—representing an 88 percent increase over the past decade—according to the Meals on Wheels Association of America.

To combat troubling statistics like these, local agencies are once again partnering to sponsor the “Feed Seniors Now” food drive, running March 16 – April 13. Groceries will be delivered by community volunteers on April 25, corresponding with Volunteer Appreciation Month.

Independence Bank, Comfort Keepers, Kentucky Legend® (a division of Specialty Foods Group, LLC), and Green River Area Development District (GRADD) are seeking to rally community support to feed low-income individuals in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, and Webster counties.

“Hunger is a silent epidemic among seniors nationwide and in our local communities,” said Kyle Aud, Independence Bank Senior Vice President of Daviess County. “Through this campaign, we strive to positively impact the lives of some of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Nonperishable food items may be dropped off at area Kroger and IGA supermarkets, as well as other locations, including Independence Bank, Comfort Keepers, GRADD and local senior centers in participating counties.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation can mail a check to: The Independence Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 988, Owensboro, KY 42302, Attention: Feed Seniors Now. (Please designate county in the memo section.) One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the food drive.

“Feed Seniors Now’ is a national effort of Comfort Keepers to raise public awareness and combat this crisis,” said Levi Reames, Comfort Keepers of Owensboro owner. “We appreciate the support of our many partners, especially Kentucky Legend and Canteen Service Company.”

Since its inception in 2011, this area food drive has netted over 20 tons of food, providing meals for more than 1,932 seniors.

“Aging citizens face numerous challenges, including health and financial support,” said Kevin Clark, Director of Human Resources for Kentucky Legend. “We support this program with the goal of ensuring that each recipient receives the adequate assistance needed.

Local seniors who have an income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level or who are currently receiving public assistance are eligible to obtain food through this initiative.

“This is a vital project because we have dozens of residents in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, and Webster counties on our home delivered meals waiting list,” said Jennifer Williams, GRADD Associate Director for Aging & Social Services. “Nearly one-third of our aging services clients tell us they have to choose between food and paying for medical care or utilities.”

For more details about contributing to the “Feed Seniors Now” food drive or to refer a senior who may need assistance, please visit www.GRADD.com/FSN or call 800-928-9094.

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