Volunteers help local seniors get ready for winter

Volunteers pack Blizzard Bags

Last week, dozens of volunteers packed more than 5,400 meals as part of the Blizzard Bag Blitz that provides meal recipients with shelf-stable meals over the winter. These meals can be used when severe winter weather prevents volunteer drivers from delivering as scheduled.

Local hunger relief nonprofit The Food Group, graciously hosted the event. Both Meals on Wheels and The Food Group have seen sustained growth in the need for food support from Twin Cities seniors in recent years.

In 2023, local Meals on Wheels programs served 19 percent more meals than they did the previous year. The 1,770,817 meals served last year was up 71 percent from 2019, the year prior to the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic which led to a sharp increase in requests for help. According to the Food Group, senior food shelf visits are also up 64 percent since 2020. In the first half of this year, visits were up 16 percent from the same period last year.

KARE 11 was on hand to cover Blizzard Bag packing and highlight the need for food and grocery support among our community’s seniors. You can check out their story here.

Local Meals on Wheels programs have been able to feed everyone in need of meals because of generous support from the community. Whether you volunteer or donate, you help ensure that our senior neighbors don’t go hungry. You can donate here to support meal delivery or sign up to deliver meals here. If you or someone you love could benefit from receiving meals, you can sign up here.