Submitted by the Mullis Community Senior Center.
To help respond to the increased need of accessible nutrition for our island’s seniors, the Mullis Center has launched a campaign to raise $5000 which will help with the ever-rising operating costs it takes to make the essential Senior Nutrition program work.
The increase in the cost of living along with the effects of isolation due to the pandemic have left many of our island seniors vulnerable to hunger, food insecurity and social isolation. Over the course of the pandemic, the need for home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) increased by more than 50% and we expect this need to continue to grow as our island’s population continues to age in place at home.
The Senior Nutrition Program provides nutritious home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and friendly check-ins to homebound seniors three times a week, as well as onsite lunches where community members of all ages can socialize and enjoy a meal together. Meals are by donation for those ages 60 and up. The Senior Nutrition Program helps to reduce hunger and food insecurity. It also promotes socialization, health and well-being, and for many it will delay the onset of adverse health conditions. A knock at the door by a Meals on Wheels volunteer might not seem like a big deal to many of us, but to a homebound senior it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels means nourishment for the body and soul.
The Mullis Center is raising money for the Senior Nutrition program as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign. Through this campaign, the first $1000 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar by the Community Foundation. The Mullis Center is also eligible for up to $2500 in bonus grants awarded throughout Fair Week.
To be eligible for matching funds, donations to the Mullis Center Senior Nutrition program must be made during the four days of the 2022 County Fair, Aug. 17-20. Donors can contribute in persona at the SJI Community Foundation fair booth, online at www.sjicf.org/fair, by phone to the SJICF at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check payable to the SJICF (dated between Aug. 17-20) with Mullis Center Senior Nutrition in the memo line to the Community Foundation, PO Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The Community Foundation will grant the raised funds to the Mullis Center following the County Fair.
The Mullis Center and its parent nonprofit organization, Senior Services Council of San Juan County, was established in 1979 to assist seniors and disabled adults by providing a spectrum of services to meet their unique needs and enhance their quality of life.
