Local Organization Receives National Award For Helping Seniors, Disabled In South Jersey

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Maryann Wardlow Center for Community Nutrition earned a 2026 Aging Achievement Award from USAging in 2026.

The honors recognize facilities and organizations that find new and improved ways to support older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers both at home and in their communities.

"This award is validation for the hard work and dedication of our employees...this award encourages us to continue expanding access to these essential supports for our residents," Camden County Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, told Patch.

The Wardlow Center opened in January 2025 and has been reached an efficient level of delivering frozen meals to those in need by more than 90 percent faster than when they started.

While food insecurity is typically associated with the homeless population, it is far from the only group who are affected.

"In reality, many working adults, college students, and individuals living on a fixed income experience food insecurity...it's not uncommon for someone to have to decide between their grocery bill or a medical bill," said Cooley Fleisher.

According to the Camden County Board of Commissioners, all missed deliveries the group has been responsible for were also addressed the same day.

"For many, their meal deliver, and the interaction with our staff is the highlight of their day, and that just furthers the impact of what we are doing and motivates us to continue to grow," added Cooley Fleisher.

The staff with the Wardlow Center also perform wellness checks on residents who are part of the program.

USAging is a national organization that represents and supports Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for Title VI Native American Aging Programs.

More information on USAging programs and how to get involved can be found on the association's website.

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