WASHINGTON—As part of its robust response to the coronavirus pandemic, AARP announced today a $250,000 donation to Meals on Wheels America to support urgently needed outreach to isolated seniors. The gift is significant because it will allow Meals on Wheels America to boost the organizational capacity of the network to provide in-home meals to the most at-risk older population during this time of crisis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that older Americans are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

“We are not only fighting coronavirus, but with this donation, we are building on our efforts to fight the fear, anxiety, and social isolation that the pandemic has brought on,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “This gift is one of the ways we are working to support older Americans, and all Americans, cope with the sacrifices, limitations, and changes brought on by the very real threat of COVID-19. AARP has always stepped up to make a difference for older Americans in times of crisis. And Meals on Wheels America has been a longstanding and important partner in helping socially isolated seniors.”

“I speak on behalf of the nationwide Meals on Wheels network in expressing our deep appreciation for AARP’s significant donation that will help to ensure homebound seniors continue to receive the vital lifeline we provide during this evolving national crisis,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “AARP and AARP Foundation have always made addressing senior isolation and hunger a priority, and we continue to see them as a committed ally, stepping up when America’s seniors need it most.”

To learn more about AARP and its public education efforts around coronavirus, visit www.aarp.org/coronavirus or, in Spanish, www.aarp.org/elcoronavirus.

To learn how to support Meals on Wheels America’s efforts, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/covid19.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Media Contacts: 
AARP: Madison Daniels, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia
Meals on Wheels America: Jenny Young, 571-339-1603, press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org