Meals on Wheels of Greenville is launching its new E-Card program to help support its efforts to provide nutritious meals to Greenville’s homebound population, a need that has risen significantly during COVID-19. Specifically, the newly released Grandparents Day E-Card is helping to combat the growing issue of senior isolation in two ways; providing additional personal connections to area seniors in a safe, “contact-free” environment, and raising awareness about the loneliness our homebound neighbors experience daily.  

 

“When a family member or friend purchases a $5 e-card, whether for Grandparents Day on September 13, or for another celebration, they are providing a hot, nutritious meal and a friendly volunteer check-in to one of our homebound Greenville County neighbors,” said Catriona Carlisle, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Greenville. “We are especially encouraging people, even if they don’t have living grandparents, to “adopt-a-grandparent” and send a Grandparents Day E-Card to a senior who could use a reminder that they are loved. Together, we can combat the exponential rise in homebound isolation, made worse by COVID-19.” 

 

Just in Greenville County, there are nearly 30,000 seniors living alone, making them already vulnerable to an increased risk of loneliness. Researchers are discovering that prolonged social isolation during COVID-19 is leading to declined physical and mental health due to lack of social interaction. Couple this with the rising cost of healthcare, loss of mobility, and the potential for hunger and malnutrition, and it becomes clear that this is an issue in our community – and our nation – that cannot be ignored.  Meals on Wheels of Greenville serves nutritious meals, personal interaction, and independence to some of this population, but with awareness and support, more can be done.  

 

Here’s how to help: 

1. BUY AN E-CARD by clicking HERE. Remember, for every $5 card you purchase, you’re providing a meal for a homebound neighbor in need.  

 

2. CONSIDER “ADOPTING” A GRANDPARENT. In addition to your own grandparents, you can show a senior friend or neighbor they are loved on Grandparents Day, September 13, by sending them an E-Card. This is a safe, effective way to help Meals on Wheels of Greenville combat senior loneliness. 

3. SHARE the E-Card program on social media and encourage others to buy cards. 

 

4. GET INVOLVED with Meals on Wheels of Greenville County. Be one of the army of volunteers dedicated to providing meals, support and a friendly face to the home bound.