September is National Hunger Month, an awareness campaign led by Feeding America to shine a light on the millions of Americans who face food insecurity every day. Hunger does not discriminate. It affects families, children and especially older adults who may struggle with fixed incomes, health challenges or limited mobility.
At United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA), we see every day how hunger impacts seniors in Jefferson County. Too often, older adults must choose between paying for medication, utilities or groceries. That is why we are committed to making sure seniors not only have enough to eat but also have access to nutritious meals that support their health and independence.
Our Nutrition Services for Older Adults
UWAAA offers a range of programs designed to meet the nutritional needs of seniors in Central Alabama:
- Meals on Wheels: Hot, nutritious meals are delivered directly to the homes of seniors who are homebound, providing both food and a friendly visit with a wellness check. In 2024, Meals on Wheels delivered more than 237,000 meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities in Jefferson County — more than 5,000 meals every week.
- Senior Nutrition Sites: Congregate meal programs offer balanced meals in community settings, giving older adults the chance to eat well while staying socially connected.
- Nutrition Counseling and Education: Registered dietitians and trained staff provide one-on-one guidance to help older adults manage dietary needs related to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Why It Matters
For seniors, good nutrition is more than a meal. It’s a lifeline. Access to healthy food helps prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and lower hospitalizations.
This National Hunger Month, you can join us in the fight against senior hunger:
- Volunteer: Become a Meals on Wheels driver or help serve meals at a senior center.
- Spread the Word: Share information about National Hunger Month and UWAAA’s services to connect more seniors with the help they need.
Together we can make sure no senior in Central Alabama goes hungry. Click here or call 1-800-AGE-LINE to learn more or to be screened for UWAAA’s senior services.