COVID Grants at Work: Berks Encore

Older adults deserve our care and support, and as COVID continues to create challenges it is imperative homebound seniors receive nutritious meals as they continue to limit their exposure to others. With the support of a grant from United Way’s COVID Response Fund, our agency partner, Berks Encore, was able to pack and distribute 2,000 emergency food boxes of shelf-stable food to local seniors, along with supplemental meals in partnership with Redner’s Markets. This allowed seniors to receive meals for evenings and weekends.

Erin, a Meals on Wheels recipient, appreciated the extra support – and she especially enjoyed the quality of the meals. “They had the creamiest mashed potatoes I have eaten in a long time,” she said!

The agency is experiencing a 30% increase in calls from seniors for additional support during the pandemic. We know the needs will continue.  Now more than ever, your support is needed to make sure our seniors don’t have to worry about food during these trying times.