The Union County Senior Nutrition Program has a lot to be thankful for this year. With new partnerships, additional funding and the continued dedication of volunteers, the program is reaching more older adults in our community.
Thanks to increased County funding approved by the Board of Commissioners and generous contributions from the municipalities of Lake Park, Marvin, Mineral Springs, Weddington, Wesley Chapel, and Wingate, the program is adding 110 seniors from its waiting list. This means more residents will now receive nutritious meals and friendly check-ins from volunteers during weekdays.
“Over the past year, we’ve been asked to expand quickly to welcome new clients while still providing the same level of care and attention to those we already serve,” said Emily Colson, Senior Nutrition Program Manager. “That growth wouldn’t be possible without strong community partnerships and the dedication of our volunteers. Together, we’re finding new ways to reach more seniors and meet their needs with compassion and consistency.”
Building Partnerships to Serve More Seniors
Collaboration continues to be at the heart of Senior Nutrition’s success. A new partnership with
Food for Families is helping provide grocery items and easy-to-prepare meals to seniors still waiting to join regular meal routes. In addition, an ongoing collaboration with
Food Lion Feeds will soon allow the Senior Nutrition program to purchase a dedicated vehicle for meal delivery and home visits. This critical addition will help reduce wait times and ensure uninterrupted service when volunteer coverage is limited.
“We currently serve 286 homebound seniors, up from 259 last year,” Colson shared. “Each partnership, whether through local businesses or municipalities, helps us reach more people who rely on these meals.”
Every weekday, 29 volunteers deliver hot meals across Union County. Many come from local businesses and County departments thanks to the Volunteer Time Off program, allowing County employees to help during work hours. These deliveries do more than feed people; they offer connection, wellness checks and a friendly face that can make a senior’s whole day brighter.
New Tools for a Growing Program
To make volunteering easier, the program will launch a new system called VicNet in December. VicNet is an online volunteer portal that lets volunteers log in from any device — computer, tablet or smartphone — to manage their own schedules, sign up for routes, track hours, and stay in touch with staff. Training for volunteers is already underway to help them get comfortable using the new system before it officially launches.
The system also helps staff send real-time updates, reminders and announcements to volunteers. It keeps communication organized and helps the program run more smoothly as it continues to grow. VicNet will make it simpler for volunteers to get involved, stay connected and help the team coordinate everything behind the scenes.
A Season of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving, meal recipients will enjoy a special holiday meal featuring sliced turkey with gravy, whipped potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and cranberry sauce. To express appreciation, all volunteers will receive hand-written thank-you cards for their dedication throughout the year.
Adding to the holiday cheer, the Union County Extension Master Gardeners are partnering once again with Senior Nutrition through their “Making of the Greens” project. Volunteers are crafting and delivering miniature evergreen arrangements to bring warmth and festive spirit to seniors at nutrition sites and those receiving home-delivered meals.
“I’m deeply grateful for our staff, volunteers and community partners,” said Colson. “The awareness and support for the Senior Nutrition Program have grown tremendously. It’s a reminder of how powerful local advocacy can be in helping our seniors live safely, independently and with dignity.”
How You Can Help
Volunteers are at the heart of the Senior Nutrition program’s mission to provide “more than a meal.” Residents can continue supporting the Senior Nutrition Program in several meaningful ways:
- Volunteer: Help deliver meals, serve at congregate sites or assist with special events and holiday activities. Even a few hours a month can make a lasting difference.
- Donate: Financial contributions help fund meal delivery resources, vehicle maintenance and program growth. To make a donation, individuals can write and mail a check to Human Services.
- Advocate: Speak up for senior services both locally and nationally to strengthen programs that help older adults live safely and independently.
- Give Practical Items: The program always welcomes donations of small, useful items such as dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, or socks, which can be used as bingo prizes or seasonal care gifts.
- Support Engagement: Activity materials like word puzzle books, art and craft supplies, or other small items bring joy and mental stimulation to seniors who gather at our congregate meal sites.
- Refer a Senior: If you know someone who may need assistance with meals or social support, refer them to the Senior Nutrition Program so they can be connected to the help they need.
“Helping others is a great way to brighten your day, and the Union County Senior Nutrition Program offers this opportunity,” said volunteer Marise Robinson. “Delivering meals to local elders doesn’t take very much time but the rewards are manifold. Helping others gives you a boost in mood, lowers blood pressure, can increase your lifespan, improves self-esteem, gives you a sense of purpose, puts your own problems into perspective, and can help lessen depression and anxiety. It's an activity I thoroughly enjoy.”
Every act of support, whether through time, resources or advocacy, helps ensure that no senior in Union County feels forgotten, hungry or alone.
