VIVALON, LEADERS ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY

Vivalon partnered with local officials throughout Marin County last month to present “Community Champions Week.” It highlighted the challenges
of food insecurity and social isolation among older adults while raising awareness and support for Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program.

Officials participated in Meals on Wheels ride- alongs and home delivery visits alongside Vivalon staff and volunteers. These firsthand experiences offered an inside look at the impact of the program and the older adults who rely on it.

Participants included U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, Fairfax Mayor Stephanie Hellman, San Anselmo Mayor Steve Burdo,
Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan, Supervisor Mary Sackett, San Rafael Councilmember Rachel Kertz, Novato Councilmember Pat Eklund and Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael.

“This year’s ‘Community Champions Week’ comes at a critical time, as Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program is serving more older adults in Marin than ever before, even as food and operation costs rise. With sustained support from our local leaders and the broader community, we will continue to address food insecurity, reduce social isolation, and ensure every older adult in Marin has the resources and the care they need to live safely and independently,” said Kaushik Roy, Vivalon’s CEO.

Marin County’s growing older adult population and rising rates of food insecurity have made Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program more essential. According to Marin County Aging and Adult Services, approximately 25% of county residents age 60 and older — nearly 17,000 people — are at risk of food insecurity and lack sufficient income

to meet their basic needs. Last year more than 770 individuals received nutritious meals and friendly check-in visits through Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program and Vivalon Nourish, the organization’s home-delivered meal service for individuals living with health challenges.

For more information, visit vivalon.org.