BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Northwest Arkansas seniors are feeling the strain of rising fuel and grocery costs.
Susan Moore is the CEO of Our Wholesome Communities Included, a non-profit serving Northwest Arkansans 60 years or older by way of Meals on Wheels. She stated many seniors depend upon the meals as their solely type of diet for the day.
“Our companies are extra essential to them now than ever,” stated Moore.
The rising costs in all places have made the meals much more very important to them. Moore stated they serve seniors on the Bentonville Senior Exercise and Wellness Heart for breakfast and lunch and convey the meals to those that’re principally homebound.
Moore stated this system means extra to the recipients than only a technique to get their subsequent meal.
“We could be the solely person who they see in a day, so not solely is it a nutritious meal for them to eat, it’s also a welfare test,” stated Moore.
These receiving the meals aren’t the one ones feeling the strain of inflation, Moore stated Our Wholesome Communities Included is going through a number of challenges with the price of meals and gas as properly.
Moore stated they’re relying closely on donations and grants proper now to proceed the Meals on Wheels. Annually they spend $1.2 million alone meals.
She stated the affect of upper prices on the pump and within the shops is magnified in the case of the nonprofit, however they gained’t ever let that cease them from getting the meals out.
“I’m grateful for meals on wheels, and the whole lot they do over right here on the middle. It’s good,” stated Velma Reynolds, a recipient of Meals on Wheels.
One other battle Our Wholesome Communities Included is going through is the shortage of volunteers.
When you have some additional time to offer, Moore suggests you head over to the Bentonville Senior Exercise and Wellness Heart and hang around with the folks there or turn out to be a meals on wheels supply driver.
You’ll be able to name the middle at 479-273-7348.
