The annual Feed Seniors Now program kicked off Wednesday morning, with a group of local organizations partnering up to combat a growing crisis regarding food insecurity for seniors.
Officials said the goal is to feed 500 seniors across the Green River Area Development District.
Sponsors involved with this year’s program include Independence Bank, Five Star Food Service, Comfort Keepers, GRADD and Specialty Foods Group.
According to officials, the need for feeding the senior population is more urgent than ever — in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a crisis that has been growing for quite some time,” said Nick Oller, Independence Bank president. “Nearly 9.7 million seniors were threatened by hunger before COVID-19. We know the impact of the pandemic has only increased that number, and the urgency at which these seniors need our help. The community’s support can make all the difference for these individuals.”
Currently, one in six seniors face food insecurity, Oller added.
According to Jennifer Williams, GRADD director for aging and social services, food insecurity for seniors continues to be a growing concern in Daviess County.
“The isolation and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the issue and makes this food drive more important than ever,” she said.
GRADD is currently delivering more than 1,500 meals a day as part of its Meals on Wheels program — nearly 800 more than what was being served at this time last year.
The community can help combat the growing food insecurity problem for seniors by donating to the Feed Seniors Now program. Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at local drop-off points throughout the seven-county area between now and April 30.
Monetary donations can also be mailed to The Independence Bank Foundation, Inc., Attention: Feed Seniors Now, P.O. Box 988, Owensboro, KY 42302.
Drop-off locations in Daviess County include:
- Independence Bank (2425 Frederica Street)
- Independence Bank (2465 Parrish Avenue)
- Independence Bank (3228 KY 54)
- Kroger (2630 Frederica Street)
- Kroger (2308 U.S. 60 East)
- Hometown IGA (900 East 25th Street)
- Hometown IGA (201 Carter Road)
- Comfort Keepers (401 Frederica Street)
- GRADD Office (300 GRADD Way)
Suggested non-perishable food items include:
- Canned mixed fruit, peaches, pineapples
- Individual servings of applesauce
- 100% fruit juices
- Raisins and prunes
- Mixed vegetables (low sodium)
- Chickpeas
- Black beans/baked beans
- Canned or stewed tomatoes
- Jarred salsa
- Canned beets
- Canned tuna, chicken or salmon
- Peanut butter
- Ensure nutrition shakes or protein bars
- Canned nuts (no salt added)
- Trail mix
- Brown rice
- Instant oatmeal
- Crackers
- Cream of Wheat
- Dry cereals
- Muffin and bread mixes
- Low-sodium soups
