(Newswire.net — December 22, 2014) Brockton, MA — The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant Program awards grants to be used in the development, implementation and expansion of emergency relief programs in the Commonwealth of MA. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has been awarded a $3,450 grant for their Shelf-Stable Meals emergency program.
The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant enables OCES’ Nutrition Department to help support the purchase of shelf-stable foods for home delivered meals consumers through their Meals on Wheels program. These consumers are usually living alone; have limited mobility; are unable to prepare their own meals; and in most cases, are unable to meet their dietary needs and are forced to make compromises. The shelf-stable food packets are delivered to participating consumers at least three to four times a year, to ensure that they will have food stored on hand in case of an emergency situation or inclement weather (snow storm, hurricane) prevents home delivery of their meals.
“The Meals On Wheels program is essential to these individuals, as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. With this grant, we can ensure that seniors will have an emergency supply of shelf stable foods on hand in the event of a storm or emergency situation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.
Bayada Home Health Care and CBS EcoMedia were the sponsors for this grant.
About OCES Nutrition Program
OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday, at meal sites located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and/or at local housing authorities. The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over who are unable to prepare their own meals or get to a congregate meal site.
Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.
About Old Colony Elder Services
Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.