LOVE LETTERS IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW TO RECEIVE HANDMADE CARDS FOR YOUR SENIORS

Love Letters, one of our most popular and successful Member campaigns, is back for its third year thanks to our friends at DoSomething.org. Nearly one million handmade Valentine’s Day cards have already been created by over 100,000 youth volunteers for you to deliver to your seniors since 2014.

Meals on Wheels America Members must sign up no later than Thursday, December 31 to appear on DoSomething.org’s official list of card recipients.
SIGN UP NOW

NEXT STEPS

DoSomething.org will encourage 4.6 million youth volunteers through texts, social media and the DoSomething.org website to participate beginning January 7, 2016.
These volunteers will create handmade messages of love and send them directly to their choice of participating Meals on Wheels program(s) from the official list.
You will receive the cards via USPS and deliver them to your clients through your regular meal delivery or congregate site.

We’ll also send an easily customizable press release template and sample social media messages to participating programs to use in spreading the word about the impact of this heartwarming campaign.

Questions about Love Letters? Contact our Member Communications Manager Lauren Fielder at lauren@mealsonwheelsamerica.org or 571-339-1621. Send some love!

THE FINAL DAYS OF SHARE THE LOVE

The 8th annual Share the Love Event draws to a close on January 2 and we could not be more impressed with the commitment our Members invested this year. More than 165 Member programs registered to participate in Share the Love and more than 100 of those have confirmed a retail partnership.

We’d like to thank each and every Member program that has committed time and resources to celebrating this valuable national partnership with us. Subaru believes in what you do day-in and day-out to make your communities stronger and we can't wait to distribute Share the Love Event funding with each of you throughout 2016.

SHARE THE LOVE IDEAS WE ADORE

Fresh Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County, Inc. made cookies for Subaru customers, displayed them nicely in the showroom and their local retailer loved it so much that they took to social media!

Chatham County Council on Aging created a flyer that was displayed at its local retailer and shared testimonials from volunteers who drive Subarus. Here’s just one example from that flyer:

“I bought my Subaru at Johnson Subaru of Cary to get out of my driveway on snow days, and because I'm a Realtor and have to drive down all kinds of roads. Once I started delivering Meals on Wheels, I realized how important having all-wheel drive is to getting meals out during inclement weather. My Subaru gives me the confidence to drive in any kind of weather or down any kind of road, and that's very important to our home-bound citizens."

- Melanie Girard, Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Volunteer

SHARE THE LOVE GRANT DEADLINE - FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

A portion of funds raised through the Subaru Share the Love Event will be reserved specifically for Member programs that have actively participated in impactful, awareness-raising activities throughout the Event. All you need to do to cash in, is submit a grant application documenting your success by Friday, January 15, 2016.

Meals on Wheels America will distribute three top grant awards ($20,000, $10,000 and $5,000) in each of three different categories defined by the program's annual senior nutrition budget. Additional grant awards ranging from $500 - $3,500 will be distributed as deemed appropriate by the judging panel, based on impact created and funding available.

The online application will be used to report on your Share the Love Event activities and outcomes. There are two separate applications – one for those who partnered with a Subaru retailer and one for those who did not partner with a Subaru retailer, however promoted the Share the Love Event in other ways.

SHARE THE LOVE GRANT APPLICATION – RETAIL PARTNERSHIP
SHARE THE LOVE GRANT APPLICATION – PROMOTION

You may begin your grant application by logging into the Meals on Wheels America Online Grants Management System at any time and save as you go. It is important that you officially submit your completed application no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, January 15, 2016.
Get Started on Your Grant Application Today!

For more information on Share the Love grants, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove or contact Member Communications Manager Lauren Fielder at lauren@mealsonwheelsamerica.org or 571-339-1621.

THE 2016 MARCH FOR MEALS VIDEO AND
WEBINAR REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!

We’re happy to officially release the 2016 March for Meals promotional video, great for garnering support in your communities in the months leading up to March. Check it out below and be sure to post it on social media!

Feel free to share this video as you reach out to potential sponsors, funders or Community Champions. Remember that Community Champions Week – the special week during March for Meals when we invite local and federal officials, celebrities, athletes and other prominent community figures to speak out, deliver meals and raise awareness – is scheduled for Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25.

MARCH FOR MEALS 101 WEBINAR SET FOR JANUARY 7

We’re kicking off the New Year with our annual March for Meals 101 webinar to help you shift your campaign planning into high gear! This year, we’ll be focusing on the marchformeals.com refresh (coming soon!), the tools available to aid in your success and the March for Meals grant opportunity. As always, you’ll hear directly from two Member programs on their past March for Meals activities, outcomes and helpful advice.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, our third annual March for Meals 101 Webinar will prepare you to join us as we shed light on our invaluable services, celebrate our homebound neighbors and generate the resources needed to address senior hunger and isolation. Join us on January 7 at 3:30 p.m. EST!

IN THIS FREE WEBINAR YOU WILL:

Learn how your program can raise funds locally and build lasting community partnerships through this nationwide awareness campaign;
Receive a tour of all the helpful Member tools and resources found at the new and improved www.marchformeals.com;
Explore the best way to go about the planning process and recruit local partners, businesses and champions;
Find out how your program can access free March for Meals merchandise and be awarded an unrestricted cash grant for your campaign's success; and
Hear from Member programs that have success stories and helpful advice to share.

Webinar: March for Meals 101
Presenter: Jenny Bertolette, Meals on Wheels America Communications Director
Contributing Members: Patti Dubielak, Director of Marketing and Development, Minuteman Senior Services, and Deanna Jones, Executive Director, The Thompson Center
When: Thursday, January 7, 2016
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
Fee: FREE!
REGISTER TODAY

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE NEW AND IMPROVED MARCHFORMEALS.COM!

While we put the finishing touches on the improved public-facing and Member resource website, you can visit our temporary location at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/marchformeals. The full March for Meals toolkit will be here in time for the March for Meals 101 Webinar!

For more information, contact Lauren Fielder, Member Communications Manager, at lauren@mealsonwheelsamerica.org or 571-339-1621.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

MORE REASONS COMMUNITIES AND SENIORS NEED
MEALS ON WHEELS

A 95-year-old woman explained to WBUR's Common Health how the aftermath of her stroke prevented her from feeling hungry and led to a major decline in her health. It wasn’t until she began receiving Meals on Wheels that her overall health significantly improved. While this example is very similar to so many others we know, the article educates the public on the shockingly common factors leading to the silent epidemic of senior isolation and hunger – further proving the need for Meals on Wheels and strengthening your case for support. Read the full article here.

NEW STUDY: WHY LONELINESS INCREASES RISK OF ILLNESS

The Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences uncovered that seniors who are lonely have less effective immune responses than those who are not. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Chicago, UCLA and UC Davis, found that when older adults feel lonely their bodies go into a “fight-or-flight” mode. The stress signals sent throughout the body during this time increase the expression of genes involved in inflammation and decrease the expression of genes involved in antiviral response leading to a negative effect on the production of white blood cells.

This study underscores how important the friendly smile provided by Meals on Wheels – in addition to the nutritious meal and safety check – is to the seniors we serve. It’s no surprise that companionship goes a long way in keeping seniors at home, where they want to be.

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA RESEARCH RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY: SERIES B

The More Than A Meal Pilot Research Study, released by Meals on Wheels America in March has recently been accepted by the Gerontological Society of America and was published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series B. This is a significant milestone for Meals on Wheels America as we continue to expand this research into its next phases.

The results of this Meals on Wheels America research study, conducted by Brown University School of Public Health and funded by the AARP Foundation, provide valuable evidence that seniors who receive home-delivered meals report significantly lower rates of loneliness than those who do not. This powerful proof can be used to educate your communities, attract volunteers and secure much-needed funding.

Read more about this important milestone here.

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MORE THAN A MEAL MEMBER TOOLKIT STILL AVAILABLE

We packaged this valuable information in a Members-only toolkit of resources that include:

Recording of the study's Member Briefing;
Full Research Report and Executive Summary;
More Than A Meal Infographic; and
Social Media Images and Sample Posts

Check it out here.

NASDAQ SHOWCASES MEALS ON WHEELS DURING
BLACK FRIDAY'S CLOSING BELL CEREMONY

On Black Friday, Meals on Wheels America’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Susan Waldman addressed Nasdaq’s studio and broadcast audiences on the increasing needs of America’s seniors before ringing the closing bell on behalf of the national Meals on Wheels network.

The ceremonious bell ringing was broadcasted live and was a wonderful opportunity to propel the national movement to ensure that no senior is left behind or alone.

NEW MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA ADDRESS

You can find us at our new address, below. And, as always, feel free to reach us on our main line at 1-888-998-6325, too!

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MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS

GRAB A SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR OUR 2016 CONFERENCE
REGISTRATION NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee
August 29 – September 2, 2016
Pre-Conference Workshop and Activities Begin on August 30

Register now for 2016’s foremost gathering of senior nutrition professionals to lock in 2015 early-bird rates! The 2016 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville will focus on our collective sustainability and expand on the excitement and energy that were generated by nearly 700 senior nutrition professionals, presenters, sponsors and exhibitors this year in Orlando.

Registration rates will increase January 1, 2016. Register Today!

Through three days of sessions, intensive workshops, keynotes, networking and the Meals on Wheels Expo, we will focus on these main topic areas to prepare us for the opportunities ahead:

Leveraging the Meals on Wheels National Ad Council Campaign
The Meals on Wheels Ad Council Campaign, currently set to launch in mid-2016, offers an incredible opportunity to thrust Meals on Wheels into the spotlight through carefully crafted public service announcements (PSAs) across millions of dollars’ worth of donated media. Keynotes and courses will focus on how to take advantage of the nationwide campaign and harness its impact at the local level to reap the greatest benefit and visibility for your program.

Forming Vital Collaborations and Partnerships
Regardless of your program’s size, scope or resources, identifying and cultivating cross-sector collaborations and partnerships is crucial to your program’s vitality and future sustainability. The 2016 Conference will cover a range of topics from healthcare integration to increasing revenue sources through local collaborations designed to make your program a stronger force in your community.

Developing Business Acumen
The senior nutrition market continues to become more competitive. Meals on Wheels programs that gain a greater understanding of the current and future environment, identify diverse funding streams, and focus on data collection to measure outcomes and impact will increase their ability to adapt and thrive.

For more information about how you can save on registration, earn Leadership Academy or CEU credits for attending Conference courses, reserve your room at the Gaylord Opryland Resort early, and more, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/conference

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT TO LOCK IN 2015 DUES RATE!

Don’t miss the chance to lock in the 2015 dues rate of $150 per Member organization for 2016! Contact membership@mealsonwheelsamerica.org before January 1, 2016 and we’ll send you a 2016 dues invoice at the 2015 rate.

Beginning January 1, 2016, Meals on Wheels America dues rates will follow tiered levels based on program size as defined by senior nutrition operating budget. This change will apply to all new Memberships and renewals as follows:

Programs with senior nutrition operating budgets less than $500,000: $175 per year

Programs with senior nutrition operating budgets between $500,000 and $2,000,000: $225 per year

Programs with senior nutrition operating budgets greater than $2,000,000: $300 per year

Questions? Contact our Chief Membership Officer Keith Greene at 571-339-1610 or keith@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

GRANTS UPDATE: MORE THAN $500,000 DISTRIBUTED TO MEMBERS

Two grant opportunities have now come to a close and we’re honored to report that over $500,000 in much-needed funding has been distributed to 350+ Member programs.

DRIVING THE MOVEMENT GRANTS

The 2015 Meals on Wheels Driving the Movement grant program, powered by Subaru, aimed to increase our Members’ measurable impact and fill the funding gaps needed to finance some of their most pressing needs. Over $515,000 was distributed to 341 Members with requests ranging from a new refrigerator to volunteer recruitment advertisements.

“We truly hope these grants will enable Members to feed more seniors, operate more efficiently and increase their overall impact,” said Keith Greene, Meals on Wheels America Chief Membership Officer.

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM GRANTS

We partnered with CBS EcoMedia for the second year to provide eight pre-selected Members in the Boston area with over $20,000 in emergency meal grants, funded by BAYADA Home Health Care. BAYADA volunteers also joined the movement by volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels program.

“We are proud to once again provide seniors with nutritious meals,” said Maureen Hixon, Regional Director at BAYADA Home Health Care. “We are committed to providing community service where we live and work—especially during this time of the year—and we’re thrilled to partner with Meals on Wheels.”

Check out Meals on Wheels America’s current grant opportunities here. Questions? Contact our Chief Membership Officer Keith Greene at keith@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Did you know that we have an online discussion group where Members just like you are actively collaborating with their peers on crucial topics? Contribute and learn about these topics by joining our LinkedIn Discussion Group here. A few of the most recent conversations in the group include:

Best practices and products for transporting various meals;
How and when to recognize donors; and
Recommendations on emergency preparedness for inclement weather conditions.

TURN CAR DONATIONS INTO CASH

The Meals on Wheels America partnership with Melwood creates a year-round revenue-generating opportunity for your program. Sign up for the Car Donation Program and Melwood will handle everything needed to turn vehicles donated from your community into cash donations.

It’s free to enroll and once you do, a Melwood representative will contact you to take care of the rest. They will:

Provide logistical and promotional support
Manage donor interactions
Sell the donated car at auction and deliver the proceeds minus an administration fee

If you have any questions, please contact Ron Farrin, Director of Call Center Operations for Melwood, at 301-856-6340 or rfarrin@melwood.org.

DOUBLED DISCOUNTS ON BRANDING IRON PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
THROUGH OUR MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM

It is now even easier for Members to deliver high-quality meals to your seniors with new discounts available on Branding Iron beef patties, portioned items and steaks through the Meals on Wheels Member Discount Program. These substantial savings are available exclusively to Members enrolled in our Group Purchasing Program with Premier and you can learn how to start taking advantage right now!

Branding Iron will double its discount when you purchase any of their products between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2016. Simply order the Branding Iron products through your Premier account – no special promotional code needed. Check out Branding Iron’s pricing here.

Not a Premier Member? Become one by contacting our Business Services Manager Steven Skelton at 706-436-3999 or steven@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Colorado River Senior Center, Blythe, CA
Community Emergency Assistance Programs, Brooklyn Center, MN
FOOD for Lane County, Eugene, OR
Marion County Senior Nutrition and Senior Services, Knoxville, IA
Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency Nutrition Program, Martin, TN
Warren County Division of Aging and Disability Services, Belvidere, NJ