MEALS ON WHEELS

66% of this year’s funds went to organizations in Ypsilanti and eastern Washtenaw County.

Two Washtenaw County organizations have joined forces to help seniors cope with increased isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ANN ARBOR, MI - An ongoing Michigan Medicine food drive seeks to surpass the 300,000-mark for meals donated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The food and toiletry drive initiative started in March 2020 in a collaboration with Ann Arbor-based Food Gatherers, and so far has collected about 281,000 meal donations, Michigan Medicine officials said. The goal is to fight food insecurity throughout Washtenaw County. Michigan Medicine volunteers will help pick up and unload donations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.A list of most-needed items is available at michmed.org/mostneeded. These donations support Meals on Wheels, as well, which associates with Michigan Medicine through their Community Health Services, officials said.

The fourth annual March for Meals, benefitting Meals on Wheels began March 1, and runs through Thursday, March 31. This year’s event is virtual once again. “This is the fourth year The Helm has hosted a March for Meals,” said Peggy Hayes, executive director of The Helm. “We have decided to once again have a virtual march, leaving you in […]

The city of Ann Arbor is launching a pilot program to help older adults better age in place in their homes.

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The City of Ann Arbor has partnered with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and DTE Energy to give home energy efficiency kits to around 260 homebound households served by Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Starting this week, Ann Arbor will be distributing over 200 energy efficiency kits to homebound residents. As Ann Arbor continues to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030 with their A2Zero plan, the city has partnered up with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels at Michigan Medicine and DTE Energy to distribute home energy efficiency kits to around 260 homebound residents that are served by AAMOW, officials said. “The city is delighted to partner with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and DTE to bring these energy and water-saving devices to our community,” said Stults. “Aging in place is a significant area of focus for Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. Read more:Trash talk: Climate change has Ann Arbor officials exploring reduced garbage pickupStudent advocacy ‘driving force’ behind University of Michigan discontinuing fossil fuel investmentsSolar panel permits triple in Ann Arbor under new program

GRANDVILLE, MI — Meals on Wheels Western Michigan recently announced an expansion due to a growing senior population and greater need for services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle Bottrall, director of philanthropy for Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, said it was only a matter of time before growth required them to add to the 14,971 square feet previously occupied. One out of every six seniors struggles with food insecurity, according to Meals on Wheels. She said the others get help from other organizations or may not know about Meals on Wheels services. She said Meals on Wheels Western Michigan usually operates with the help of about 1,000 volunteers, but now have half as many.

The Helm 2021 March for Meals is happening now through Sunday, March 28. This year’s event — which raises money for Meals on Wheels — is virtual once again. “This is the third year The Helm has hosted a March for Meals,” said Peggy Hayes, The Helm executive director. Visit helmlife.org and click on the March for Meals tab at the top and you’ll find everything you need to support this event.”In 2020, The Helm served more than 23,000 nutritious meals to homebound Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe residents unable to safely prepare meals for themselves. “We are excited that Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is once again our lead partner on this event,” Hayes said.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Washtenaw County is handing out 10,000 free masks this month for residents in need. Masks can be picked up in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and various other cities throughout the county. Ann Arbor locations include:Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, available for current clients and can be delivered to their homes. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at 1015 N Congress St., ring the doorbell or call head 734-483-5014. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Washtenaw County issues mask mandate, restaurant capacity limits to replace Whitmer ordersSee where Ann Arbor plans to plant 500 trees this fallHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for September 2020

The Macomb County Meals on Wheels program will provide curbside service for senior residents amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Related: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand todayMacomb Community Action announced the program on Tuesday. Seniors can drive up to the following locations between 10 a.m. and noon to receive a limited number of meals per day:Individuals receiving food must present an ID proving they reside and Macomb County and are at least 60-years-old, officials said. For more information, call the Office of Senior Services at 586-469-5228 or email mcaseniors@macombgov.org.

For those living in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) provides information, support and resources to older adults and their families dealing with a variety of issues. Here, Kathleen Yanik, communications manager for the AAA 1-B, weighs in on some common issues and how families can cope. This grant-funded senior transportation program allows area seniors to set up transportation to a doctors appointment or store, for example. For in-home respite, some people may qualify for help through one of our government-funded, direct care programs or a volunteer caregiver program, Yanik says. The AAA 1-B can provide a list of private pay in-home care options, too.