Feed Seniors Now; helping seniors with hunger

Wade Gaynor loading his truck with Amber Phelps of GRADD.

More than two dozen low-income residents in Hancock County were delivered two weeks’ worth of food today, May 4, 2022. That number is much larger across the region.  Combining these efforts in Daviess, Henderson, Webster and McLean Counties, 400 people were reached.

This is part of Feed Seniors Now—an important initiative that helps identify and make an impact on at-risk individuals.

The Green River Area Development District has partnered with Independence Bank, Comfort Keepers, and Specialty Foods Group to collect and distribute food to older adults in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, and Webster Counties. The Feed Seniors Now Food Drive started in 2011.

Local high school seniors raced against the clock to sweep through the grocery store and collect as many shelf-stable food items as possible. When the buzzer sounded, Independence Bank agreed to purchase and donate all collected items to the Feed Seniors Now drive.  Donations of shelf-stable food items (such as canned goods, peanut butter, pasta and cereal) were accepted until April 29, 2022, at the GRADD office and Independence Bank locations in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, or Webster Counties. Checks or cash donations were also accepted at Independence Bank locations. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the food drive. Specialty Foods Group also donated Kentucky Legend meats to the drive. Nearly 4,000 food deliveries have been made throughout the duration of this program.

Feeding America estimates that in 2019, 5.2 million seniors (60+ years old) faced hunger in America. This represents 1 in 14 seniors or just more than 7% of all seniors.

“We know that a portion of the population—not just across the country, but also in our own communities—face challenges that come with food insecurity,” Nick Oller, Independence Bank Daviess County President expressed. “We collaborate with other organizations to make that impactful connection. No one should have to pick between impossible choices like paying for groceries or medical care.”

In-Home Services Manager, Amber Phelps enjoys the opportunity to be involved in this partnership and states, “Feed Seniors Now helps fill a gap for older adults who may sometimes skip meals or eat smaller portions due to financial constraints. The problem of food insecurity among senior citizens is often unseen and unaddressed. Our hope is to shed light on the issue while providing assistance to seniors in need.”
Feeding America estimates that in 2019, 5.2 million seniors (60+ years old) faced hunger in America. This represents 1 in 14 seniors or just more than 7% of all seniors. A special thanks to the Hancock County road department for helping hand out these items.

Food delivery helpers: (L to R) John Marvel, Randy Masterson, Sheila Hayden, Andrea Pritchard, Tony Ward, Harold Coon, Richard Bucks, Ryan James