$20K grant to support Valley seniors, nutrition program

FSL and Independence at Home, SCAN Desert Health Plan’s community service arm that provides services and support to community organizations, seniors and their caregivers, have entered into a year-long, $20,000 grant agreement that benefits FSL’s long-running senior nutrition program.

The goal of this partnership is to increase access to nutritious food to promote aging in place and optimal health outcomes for the approximately 750 individuals who access the nutrition program each year.

“The funding from SCAN’s Independence at Home will help us serve approximately 85,000 hot meals over the course of the next year,” Tami Bohannon, president and CEO of Founation for Senior Living, or FSL, stated in a press release. “We are so thankful for their support in helping older adults and adults with disabilities beat hunger by increasing their access to balanced meals and nutritional foods.”

Three programs under the senior nutrition program umbrella will be funded in part by SCAN Desert Health Plan’s Independence at Home:

• Congregate Meals: Monday through Friday, hot meals are prepared and served to older adults at both the Peoria Senior Center and the Wickenburg Senior Center. These meals are crafted based on the recommendations of a registered dietician and bring individuals together to foster a sense of community and increase social interaction.
• Home-Delivered Meals: Homebound members receive hot meal deliveries Monday through Friday, with the option for frozen meals to ensure access to food continues throughout the weekend.
• Emergency Food Boxes: FSL food pantries located inside of the senior centers distribute emergency food bags and boxes to those in need to combat food insecurity among older adults, low-income families and the unhoused residents of the Valley.

FSL serves seniors and adults with disabilities, providing home and community-based services, including access to affordable housing communities across the state that promote health, independence and dignity for all.

Visit fsl.org for more information about Foundation for Senior Living.