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Trump suffers first defeat but as always doubles down for the next fight; From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming; Funding boosts 'green' projects in Meadville, PA; VA apprenticeships bridge skills gaps, offer career stability.

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Trump has a new pick for Attorney General, his incoming "border czar" warns local Democratic officials not to impede mass deportation, and the House passes legislation that could target any nonprofit group accused of supporting terrorism.

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The CDC has a new plan to improve the health of rural Americans, updated data could better prepare folks for flash floods like those that devastated Appalachia, and Native American Tribes could play a key role in the nation's energy future.

Older IL population has options for healthy meals

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Monday, November 11, 2024   

The number of older Americans who live alone, because of self-isolation or losing a spouse, is increasing. These factors can prevent them from receiving healthy meals.

The nonprofit Meals on Wheels delivers individually packaged hot food to older homebound Illinoisans who may also be recovering from an illness or surgery.

CEO of the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois and the Community Nutrition Network, Andrea Proulx Buinicki, said remote eating sites throughout Illinois are available to serve this demographic - with free admission.

"Each of our 23 sites throughout suburban Cook, Will County, Kendall County, and Grundy County offer an in-person congregate dining experience in our senior cafes," said Buinicki, "so that you can have a nutritious meal and you can engage with new friends."

Buinicki said hunger impacts everyone, but the older demographic is often forgotten.

The Illinois Department of Human Services says that before the pandemic, nearly 9% of Illinois seniors were food insecure.

And research unveiled an almost 60% increase in older adult food insecurity during COVID-19.

Buinicki said volunteer meal delivery drivers are an important source of daily socialization for older Illinoisans who live alone. She said the volunteers do more than bring a hot meal to those in need.

"One, it's the nutritious food that people need to thrive," said Buinicki. "But the second reason is that it's an important social connection. And it's an opportunity for people outside of the maybe immediate family, or outside of that household, to put eyes and ears on someone who might be isolated from other people."

Buinicki said their clients look forward to a visit every single day.

Currently, the organization is looking for volunteers who can help drive meals to seniors for a couple of hours Monday through Friday in their community.

Community Nutrition Network oversees the Meals on Wheels program in Illinois.



Disclosure: Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association contributes to our fund for reporting on Community Issues and Volunteering, Health Issues, Hunger/Food/Nutrition, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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