Local Meals on Wheels program receives Facebook Community Grant

Peninsula Volunteers is continuing its collaborative efforts with Facebook to assist seniors in Belle Haven and East Palo Alto, in this case those who are unable to cook or shop for themselves and wish to remain in their own homes.

Thanks to a $2,500 community grant from Facebook, PVI Meals on Wheels will deliver hot, nutritious meals to program participants 252 days a year, with additional meals provided for holidays and weekends. The program will increase the Menlo Park-Bell Haven and East Palo Alto seniors’ knowledge about nutrition through bi-monthly education on topics related to healthy diet and its impact on health.

Additionally, participants will receive a daily safety and wellness check during the meal delivery. Staff and volunteer delivery personnel are trained to be alert to changing or immediate critical safety needs, increasing the quality of life for these older adults.

PVI Meals on Wheels has been delivering meals to residents of south San Mateo County since 1978, and recently has expanded service to include central county as far north as San Bruno. PVI Meals on Wheels is partly funded through San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services with funds from the Older Americans Act.

Fundraising and grants such as the Facebook Local Community Fund Grant are needed to help subsidize over half of the program’s expenses.