Submitted photo Chair of the Randolph County Democratic Executive Committee, Cindy Stemple, presents check to Lynn Proudfoot, President of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Randolph County. Also pictured, are other members of the Randolph County Executive Committee.

ELKINS — The Randolph County Democratic Executive Committee presented a check to Meals on Wheels of Randolph County at their recent meeting.

The donation of $800 will provide 200 meals for local residents.

West Virginia is the fourth oldest state in the nation, and over 22% of the residents of Randolph County are 65 years and older and over 13% of those residents live in poverty. Home-delivered meals are an important part of our soft infrastructure which helps to lower health care costs, allows adults to stay in their homes, and decreases feelings of isolation.

Mandy Weirich, MSW, LSW, a social worker who specializes in the aging field, stated, “Older adults are more vulnerable to economic downturns. Their fixed incomes make it more difficult to absorb the rising costs of food, medicine, and household goods. The Social Security Cost of Living Allowance occurs in January and is meant to adjust to inflation, but it rarely meets the actual need. I have witnessed first-hand hungry people in our community and it is heartbreaking. I fear what the next year will bring.”

Meals on Wheels of Randolph County has been serving the community for 50+ years and is supported almost entirely by volunteers, donations, and grants. Donations are not only a way to ensure that Meals on Wheels of Randolph County can remain sustainable, but it also ensures that adults in our community have a nutritious meal every day.

Cindy Stemple said of the donation, “Democrats have always supported economic and social policies, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, that help older adults and other vulnerable populations. We see the needs in our community, and we are doing what we can to support local agencies but also better policies for our people.”

Volunteering at Meals on Wheels is a very rewarding experience, and it only takes about two hours on a weekday morning. Volunteers can sign up to deliver once a month, once a week, or as substitutes (or more!). Drivers are usually accompanied by another volunteer to help with the meals. The three delivery routes are all within 5 miles of Davis Medical Center.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating, contact the office at 304-636-4919.