Grant given at a time when program is struggling to keep up with demand

Essex Jct, VT- Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) has been awarded a $7,500 grant from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) and the Wal-Mart Foundation to support our local program in doing what we do best - feed seniors. 

This past year, many Meals On Wheels programs were forced to change or reduce their services, because of severe operating constraints brought on by rising food and gas prices and the current economic crisis.  The “MOWAA/Wal-Mart Foundation Cure Grant” is intended to alleviate these burdens for CVAA and help us restore our nutrition services to better serve our seniors in the Champlain Valley.

 “With the MOWAA/Wal-Mart Foundation Cure Grant, we will be able to meet the rising needs of our senior clients and make a tremendous impact in our community,” said John Barbour, Executive Director.

According to a groundbreaking national research study entitled “The Causes, Consequences and Future of Senior Hunger in America,” which was commissioned by the MOWAA Foundation, 1 in 9 seniors in America is at risk of hunger. The fact that 11.4 percent of seniors in the country are at risk of hunger and the fact that the population is aging at an unprecedented rate put a significant strain on community-based Meals On Wheels programs’ ability to provide meals for those in need.   The "MOWAA/Wal-Mart Foundation Cure Grant Program" is intended to increase the number of individuals served and reverse the forced reduction in meal services seen at Meals On Wheels programs throughout the nation.

"Unlike cancer or AIDS, we have the cure to end senior hunger in America today," said Enid Borden, President and CEO of MOWAA.  "We can't thank the Wal-Mart Foundation enough for supporting us in our mission and remembering the seniors we serve during this desperate time."

The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging is a private non-profit United Way organization dedicated to helping people age with independence and dignity. CVAA  is the resource on senior issues for the Champlain Valley. CVAA provides Case Management , Meals on Wheels, Successful Aging Programs and support to seniors age 60 and older in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties and their caregivers. For information about services available for seniors 60 and older call the Senior Helpline at 1.800.642.5119.

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability and health and wellness. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.