Meals on Wheels' Better Fresh Project delivers results

Scholl Orchards is one of eight local farms that provide produce to Meals on Wheels' Better Fresh Program, funded by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

As United Way strives to reduce the number of food-insecure residents in the Lehigh Valley, a special program operated by Meals on Wheels has helped achieve progress toward that goal and keep more seniors safe and healthy at home.
 
“We strive to support programs that are really innovative and create collective impact. Meals on Wheels’ Better Fresh Project is a great example of a program that addresses seniors' basic needs and supports the local food economy,” said Marc Rittle, Vice President, Impact, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “We’re proud to have supported this program from its inception.”
 
Launched in 2014, the Better Fresh Project aims to deliver local, farm-fresh produce to homebound seniors. United Way research reveals that 32,000 seniors have difficulties meeting their own basic care needs, such as grocery shopping or meal preparation. It’s been reported that only 30% of people 65 years old and older eat five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables per day, the minimum recommendation for good nutrition.
 
“The majority of our customers reported they would not have access to fresh produce without this program. It bolsters the nutritional value and taste of meals, helps to sustain the local farm economy and protects the environment through the purchase of local produce,” said Tom Harper, Director of Development, Meals on Wheels.
 
This initiative has helped Meals on Wheels to include tons - literally - of locally grown, nutrient-dense produce into their meals. Through the Better Fresh Project, Meals on Wheels purchases fresh, local fruits and vegetables from eight local farms and incorporates them into more than 460,000 meals a year for home-bound seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Northampton and Lehigh counties. Produce providers include:
 

• Scholl Orchards
• Twin Maple Farms
• Casa Bianca Farms
• Hunter Hills
• Primordia Mushroom Farm
• Primo Produce via US Foods
• Benji Adams Berry Farm
• and St. Luke’s Rodale Organic Farm.

 
United Way continues to support the program with a $20,000 annual grant.
 
“In the Lehigh Valley, we know that hunger affects one in ten people. In 2014, we set a bold goal to make nutritious and affordable food available to 40,000 more local residents,” said Priscilla Rosado, Assistant Director, Food Access, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Since then, we’ve achieved great progress with partners such as Meals on Wheels and the Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council. Today, 17,000 more people have access to fresh, healthy food.”
 
In 2017, United Way achieved its goal to increase the number of seniors who can stay safe and healthy in their homes by 50 percent five years ahead of schedule.
 
“The Better Fresh Project makes a real impact,” Harper said. “Consuming nutritious, fresh fruits and vegetables helps lessen the effects of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. If seniors are healthy, they’re more likely to be able to live where they want to live, and that’s at home.”
 
For more information about Food Access, contact Priscilla Rosado at 610-807-5731.

Meals on Wheels' Director of Development Tom Harper helps supporters from Crayola see their impact on local seniors during a recent tour of Meals on Wheels' Bethlehem facility.