United Way North Central Florida Awards $20,000 Grant to ElderCare of Alachua County to Support Access to Healthy Food in Underserved Areas
United Way North Central Florida (UWNCFL) is thrilled to announce the awarding of a $20,000 grant to ElderCare of Alachua County’s Senior Nutrition program. The funding will provide nutritious meals to seniors living in more rural areas of Alachua County who meet the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.
Seniors living in rural areas are less likely to have access to better food options, often times due to transportation limitations. This grant will allow ElderCare to deliver daily meals directly to these seniors in need. These meals are created and approved by two separate Registered Dieticians, assuring that each meal meets 1/3 of the Federal Dietary Reference Intake/Adequate Intake (DRI/AI) levels for a senior. Additionally, the accompanying well-being check that occurs with each meal delivery helps assure clients are less isolated, and gives peace of mind to them and their loved ones that someone is checking in on them.
All of the programs and services offered by ElderCare are designed to support both physical health and mental well-being, enhancing the senior’s ability to age in place with dignity, and avoid the disruption and costs of placement in a facility, or hospital. Individuals in ALICE households are often at greater risk, having even more limited resources. By providing services, such as healthy meals to those on a very limited income, it allows these individuals to redirect those limited resources to other critical items, such as home costs, medicine, utilities, and more. Each senior in this program is also assigned to a Case Manager, who will assist each individual, assuring that each client also has access to other community resources that may additionally enrich their overall quality of life.
"According to our latest ALICE report, senior households had the second highest rate of financial hardship in Alachua County with fifty percent falling below the ALICE Threshold," said Amber Miller, President and CEO of United Way North Central Florida. "In an economy where our fixed income elder population is forced to choose between medications or food, this grant will empower ElderCare to deliver an estimated additional 6,235 meals to seniors in need."
UWNCFL’s investment in ElderCare of Alachua County aligns with its overarching mission to enhance lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities for the common good. With a focus on four key impact areas—financial security, healthy community, youth opportunity, and community resiliency—and utilizing ALICE data, UWNCFL directs funding towards nonprofit programs that are in alignment with the organization’s strategic funding initiatives.
The grant is expected to have a significant impact, particularly in regions where access to support services is limited due to geographic and economic factors. By focusing on ALICE households, this initiative ensures that those who are working hard to make ends meet receive the necessary support to overcome immediate challenges and build a more financially secure future.
Community engagement and support are vital for the success of these initiatives. United Way North Central Florida invites local residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute to their mission by volunteering, donating, or advocating for the needs of ALICE households. Together, these collective efforts will strengthen the fabric of community and contribute to a more resilient society.