‘MARCH FOR MEALS’ NOURISHES SENIORS

Vivalon participated in the annual “March for Meals” nationwide celebration joining the national Meals on Wheels network to raise awareness and rally support for the public- private partnership that helps provide older adults in Marin County with nutritious meals and vital social visits.

“This year’s ‘March for Meals’ comes at a critical time. Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program is delivering meals to more Marin older adults than ever before, while operational and food costs are soaring,” said Joe O’Hehir, Vivalon’s interim CEO. “Vivalon’s cost for purchasing meals for older adults has increased by 62% this year, and changes in federal support … could reduce funding for meals through the Older Americans Act. It is now more important than ever for our community to come together to support Meals on Wheels and help address the problem of food insecurity affecting too many older adults in Marin.”

Funding for Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program is provided by the Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services. According
to the agency, nearly 25% of older adults (approximately 19,500 individuals) in Marin County face financial hardship and are often forced to choose between essentials like housing, medications and food.

The rise of food insecurity among Marin’s growing older adult population has increased the demand for Vivalon’s Meals Nicole Levintow, a Vivalon employee and Meals on Wheels volunteer, helps out during “March for Meals.”

‘March for Meals’ nourishes seniors on Wheels program. In 2024, Vivalon delivered 242,828 meals to more than 1,000 people through its Meals on Wheels and Nourish programs. The number of participants in Marin enrolled in Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels and Vivalon Nourish programs is projected to grow in 2025.

Older adults in Marin County are struggling more than in previous years, according to the 2023 Marin County Needs Assessment of Older Adults. The county’s assessment report also indicates that food insecurity among older adults in Marin has increased 8% since 2019. Almost 47% of older adults in Marin find it difficult to live on their household income, and the number of older adults fearing they will run out of food has risen by 65% since 2019, the study found.

“As we celebrate ‘March for Meals,’ it is important to raise awareness that even in ‘wealthy Marin’ there are hundreds of people going hungry every day,” said Erika Vaughn, Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels and Nourish program manager. “Nearly half of older adults in Marin County who experience loneliness also face food insecurity, further strengthening our commitment to ensure that every meal delivery comes with a friendly face, a warm greeting, and a check-in from someone who cares.”

Vivalon, formerly known as Whistlestop, has named a new chief executive officer. Kaushik Roy, 47, of Petaluma will officially assume the role on April 30 after a transition period alongside O’Hehir.