While you may not realize it, there are seniors in Northgate who are the hidden hungry. They’re homebound, isolated, and experiencing food insecurity. Inflation has had an impact on those living on fixed incomes – costs increase but their incomes don’t. Many elders no longer drive and are too frail to negotiate their way around the supermarket or to carry grocery bags. Arthritis or other health problems make it impossible for them to stand to cook or even cut up a carrot. Seniors depend on Meals on Wheels Diablo Region to deliver meals and supportive services so they can remain nourished, safe, less isolated, and able to remain at home with dignity.
To continue their work, MOW Diablo Region will hold its Dining to Deliver Gala on June 10th at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville. Support will help the organization meet the growing need for delivered meals and services. According to Caitlin Sly, Executive Director, every day, 10,000 people turn age 70 in the United States and in Contra Costa County, older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population. Inflation, people living longer, and the fragile support system for seniors means Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is the safety net for older adults. “There are many in Northgate who have lived in the neighborhood for 30 or 40 years. They are now alone, frail and need delivered meals to keep from going hungry,” added Sly. MOW can even deliver to people short-term who are recuperating from surgeries.
Not only is the Dining to Deliver Gala fun, but the proceeds also allow MOW Diablo Region to keep up with the 50% increase in service it has seen since 2020. Last year the organization delivered over 600,000 meals and is on track to deliver even more this year. For information on Gala tickets, sponsorship, auction donations, or to find out how you can help, visit mowdiabloregion.org.
By Sherry Nadworny, Resident since 2016