Wesley Community Services, Inc.

Amount Appropriated?

$1.3M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

Using taxpayer funds on this project would help an additional 2,000 older Iowans who are food insecure have access to healthy, nutritious food while creating an estimated 10 new jobs. 12.5% of older adults in Polk County are food insecure, with that number continuing to rise. In addition, 41% of older adults in Iowa live below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) income threshold of $19,560. The lack of proper nutrition can lead to other healthcare challenges and become a threat to staying independent.\n\nWesleyLife\u2019s Meals on Wheels program alleviates some of these financial burdens for participants, enables them to remain in their homes longer, and also reduces hospitalizations and costs to Medicare costs. According to studies regarding the Meals on Wheels program, hospitalization rates of participants decrease by an average of 39% after an individual joins the program. Medicare costs fall as much as $1,100 within 90 days of a participant receiving Meals on Wheels.\n\nFurther, the COVID 19 pandemic has significantly increased the amount and level of social isolation experienced by older adults. Research has shown that 43% of older adults feel lonely at any given time, and 29% of people age 65+ live alone \u2013 twice as many of whom are women. The typical Meals on Wheels recipient is a woman over age 75 who lives alone and has multiple health conditions. Half of older adults living alone lack the financial resources to pay for basic needs like food; lack of transportation and limited physical mobility also hinder access to food. Prolonged social isolation is linked to negative health outcomes in seniors. The WesleyLife Meals on Wheels program includes a regular safety and wellness check when the meals are delivered and provides participants the opportunity to interact with volunteers in their community.