Champlain Valley Agency on Aging looking to meet demand

Essex Jct, VT-  Mayor Bob Kiss of Burlington and Mayor Michael O’Brien of Winooski joined over 1,000 mayors across the country delivering Meals on Wheels as part of the national Mayors for Meals Campaign. Last year the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) delivered over 225,000 meals in the Champlain Valley. Nationally 1 in 4 seniors are malnourished. CVAA is facing a 20% increase in demand for meals. Meals on Wheels not only provides hot nutritious meals but a friendly visit and a safety check for homebound seniors.

Mayor Bob Kiss delivering Meals on Wheels in Burlington

For 35 years the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging has helped seniors age with independence and dignity. CVAA is a private non-profit that relies on its army of volunteers to help provide services that keep seniors in their homes. CVAA has over 850 volunteers who deliver meals, provide companionship and help with everyday tasks like grocery shopping or rides to medical appointments. CVAA Case Managers provide assistance to 2500 seniors helping them access services and benefits such as food stamps, fuel assistance, Medicare Part D plans and Choices for Care. CVAA’s Senior Helpline(1-800-642-5119) fields over 10,000 calls each year from seniors, their families and caregivers.

The rising cost of food and the economic downturn has been a challenge as more baby boomers begin to retire and access services. CVAA is holding its 3rd Annual Top Chef benefit on Aug 10 at UVM’s Davis Center in Burlington. Three local chefs will compete to see if they have what it takes to be named the Top Chef of the Champlain Valley. For more information about tickets to the Top Chef or if you would like to receive a sponsorship package offering marketing opportunities for your business contact CVAA at 865-0360 or at cvaa.org.