Access Care Partners Joins Meals on Wheels America on End the Wait Campaign

HOLYOKE — Access Care Partners (formerly WestMass ElderCare) is supporting End the Wait, a national campaign led by Meals on Wheels America to address the urgent and growing needs of older adults experiencing hunger and isolation. As demand for home-delivered meals and support services continues to climb, Access Care Partners is calling on the community to join in ensuring no one is left waiting.

“Here in Western Massachusetts, we deliver over 1,200 meals each day, but we know the need is even greater,” said Roseann Martoccia, executive director of Access Care Partners. “With rising costs and an aging population, we need increased funding, more volunteers, and community support to ensure that every person who needs help receives it.”

To highlight this urgent issue and show their support, local leaders are joining Access Care Partners throughout March and into April to deliver meals and connect with older adult constituents. They include state Rep. Shirley Arriaga on Friday, March 28; state Rep. Mindy Domb on Monday, March 31; and state Rep. Patricia Duffy and Holyoke City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos on Thursday, April 3.

They will tour Access Care Partners’ ‘Nutrition Central’ in Holyoke and accompany Meals on Wheels drivers as they deliver meals in Holyoke, Chicopee, Ludlow, South Hadley, Granby, and Ware.

Despite the program’s impact, too many older adults in this region are waiting — for meals, care, and connection. Nearly 80% of Meals on Wheels recipients report that their driver is their only consistent social contact. Yet, limited government funding and minimal philanthropic giving — only 1% of U.S. donations go to senior causes — have created a crisis of access.

“Across the country, local Meals on Wheels providers are working tirelessly to deliver nutritious meals and moments of connection, but they could be reaching even more seniors and doing even more for them if they had additional resources,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “That’s why we launched our bold plan to End the Wait, to ensure all seniors have access to the life-saving services they need to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.”

To support Access Care Partners’ work or learn how to volunteer, donate, or advocate, visit www.accesscarepartners.org or contact Lynn Wolf at lwolf@accesscarepartners.org or (413) 538-9020, ext. 329. To learn more about the national End the Wait campaign, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/end-the-wait.