Community Corner
The Meal Pack Challenge Takes On Senior Hunger In D.C.
Join AARP Foundation this September 11 in an effort to end senior hunger in Washington, D.C.
It’s a heartbreaking fact that 1 in 7 seniors in the United States lives in poverty. Every day, millions of older Americans struggle to make ends meet, and many of them lack access to nutritious meals. In fact, according to USDA and census data, more than 10 million senior citizens in the US struggle daily with the threat of hunger. This especially vulnerable population faces tough daily challenges and often experiences serious health and quality of life problems directly tied to hunger, including diabetes, congestive heart failure and depression.
For years, AARP Foundation has been on a mission to raise awareness and end senior hunger with an inspiring challenge: to pack 1 million meals and make a tangible difference in the lives of hungry seniors in the D.C. area. The 2019 Celebration of Service Meal Pack Challenge returns to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, bringing together thousands of local volunteers from the community to help tackle this devastating issue.
If you’re wondering how you might be able to join this important effort, here are three things you can do to help:
No. 1: Sign Up to Volunteer
Meal Pack Challenge hopes to bring the local community together to help tackle senior hunger. AARP Foundation is looking for volunteers to sign up for 90-minute sessions throughout the day. Volunteers may also opt to stick around and help all day. Sign up and stop by to help pack lunches for older adults in need.
No. 2: Stay Informed
Visit www.mealpackchallenge.org to get important information about the Meal Pack Challenge, including event details, transportation options, volunteer shifts and more. You can also visit the AARP Foundation to learn more about senior hunger and the everyday challenges that older adults face in the U.S.
Click here for details and information about the Meal Pack Challenge
No. 3: Spread the Word
Know a friend or two who might be interested in helping an important cause? Are you a part of a book club or sports league? The Celebration of Service Meal Pack Challenge can use their help! Sign up as a group, roll up your sleeves and join the effort to end senior hunger. Note that groups of 10 or more should email mealpackchallenge@aarp.org and plan to arrive and enter registration at the same time to make sure they’ll be able to pack together.
Tackling food insecurity and hunger among older Americans is no easy feat, but with the help of volunteers and the ambitious goal to pack over 1 million lunches, AARP Foundation is committed to addressing the immediate food needs of those who need it the most.
