According to the Center for Strategic & International Studies [CSIS], some factors specific to military and veteran life contribute to higher food insecurity among certain subpopulations of veterans, including variations by health and disability status, age, gender, and geography.
In the USDA-ERS’s recent study, food insecurity was 22.5 percent higher among disabled working-age veterans than the average for all working-age veterans. This is particularly significant since a higher proportion of veterans are disabled compared to the general U.S. population. Multiple studies have shown that veterans are more likely to have certain health challenges such as depression and psychological disorders than the general population and that veterans with poorer health are more likely to be food insecure. IMPAQ International reported in 2018 that veterans experiencing serious mental illness were 10 times more likely to be food insecure. At MOWE, we tailor our delivery to each individual Veteran’s needs - Not only are dietary needs addressed, but mental health concerns like no loud knocking, buzzers, or shouting are noted on delivery route lists when necessary or requested.
Program Objective:
To help homebound, senior, and disabled veterans remain healthy and in their homes by offering a nutritionally balanced, daily, ready-to-heat meal.
Timeline:
Currently, we deliver to 30 Veterans a ready-to-heat meal 5 days/week, along with 2 frozen meals for the weekend, delivered with their Friday meal. We have at least 28 Veterans on the waiting list. As soon as funding is secured for 1 year of deliveries per Veteran [approximately $2500], the next Vet on the list is added to the appropriate delivery route. With more funding, we can continue to serve the 30 and move more Vets to active delivery status - immediately upon receipt. The total served at the end of FY 2024-25 will be a minimum of 35 veterans, but likely closer to 40.
Performance Measures:
Delivery records are collected each delivery day and reconciled immediately. At any given time our staff can provide the number of Veteran clients who are receiving meals, who have missed deliveries, or are awaiting a start date. By working in conjunction with Veterans’ organizations for referrals and funding, Meals on Wheels Erie is able to apprise these organizations of any client issues or needs because we offer a 5x weekly, compassionate check-in with meal delivery. Often our volunteer is the only visitor each client may have on any day, therefore could be the first to notice changes in mood, health, or living conditions.
Anticipated Outcomes:
In line with the Meals on Wheels Erie mission to allow people to age at home with dignity, the anticipated and continued outcome for this program is to see far fewer Veterans living with food insecurity and unhealthy eating habits. With this funding, we can ensure more homebound Veterans have access to a healthy meal each day.
