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AD COUNCIL CAMPAIGN LAUNCH LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AWAY

  DOWNLOAD YOUR READINESS CHECKLIST NOW TO HELP YOU PREPARE

The countdown is on to the July launch of the Meals on Wheels Ad Council PSA campaign! There’s much to do to prepare for this nationwide volunteer recruitment campaign that will feature the Meals on Wheels story on TV, radio, billboards and social media all around the country – as told by some of our most engaging senior clients.
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To prepare your local program you should:

  1. Submit the email address your program uses for volunteer inquiries and coordination. You will receive an email tomorrow that will enable you to add this address directly into our database. Without this important piece of information, we won’t be able to send volunteer prospects your way.
  2. Tomorrow’s email will also allow you to submit the zip codes that define your program’s service area so that we can improve our matching capabilities and provide you with volunteers to cover your whole senior nutrition program territory. Email membership@mealsonwheelsamerica.org with questions.
  3. Bring your volunteer onboarding processes in line with the Low-Friction Onboarding Process as defined by the national research we conducted. Visit the Ad Council Readiness Center for more information and join the new discussions added to the preparation videos on volunteer onboarding here.
  4. Align your program visually with the Meals on Wheels movement by adopting the Meals on Wheels brand or, at minimum, downloading the Member badge and displaying it on your website. Visit the Brand Resource Center to learn more about the easy steps to adopt the brand or download your Member badge here.
  5. Sign up now for the Virtual Town Hall on Monday, June 13, where Ellie Hollander will host our talented creative agency, Anomaly, in unveiling the actual campaign PSAs to Members for an exclusive first look.
  6. Keep a look out for an invite to our How to Engage Your Community webinar. Taking place in late June, it will introduce you to the tools and resources needed to tailor the campaign to garner widespread support in your own community.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Anomaly has completed photo and video shoots with 11 remarkable Meals on Wheels clients from across the country, the results of which will provide the face of the campaign. The agency is working hard to transform that raw footage and images into the engaging PSAs we can’t wait to share with you at the previously mentioned Virtual Town Hall Meeting on June 13.

Additionally, the Ad Council is hard at work developing special launch activities that will announce the campaign to the public in July. We’re also building a full suite of resources and tools that will enable you to easily adapt the campaign communications for use at the local level. In the meantime, start thinking about how you can make your community part of the national launch through press events, celebrity deliveries and more.

It’s getting close, and it’s getting real! Download your Readiness Checklist now to help make sure you’re ready when all the fun hits! Feel free to contact us at adcouncil@mealsonwheelsamerica.org with any questions or suggestions.

THE MEALS ON WHEELS BRAND IS ON THE RISE

It’s been over a year since the new Meals on Wheels look and feel launched to Members and we embarked on a journey to infuse new energy and power into our nationwide movement. To date, 48 local Meals on Wheels programs in 25 states and 5 State Associations have taken on the brand as their own. With a foothold in half of the country, the Meals on Wheels brand is truly taking off in local communities, making us all stronger and our voices louder, together.

To add to the groundswell of success, the Meals on Wheels brand recently received two additional accolades, this time from the 2016 American Business Awards! The rebrand won the Silver Award for Reputation/Brand Management Communications or PR Campaign of the Year, and the new website won a Silver Award for the Non-profit Website category. This level of recognition by supporters, volunteers and experts in branding will be invaluable as we launch the Ad Council campaign this summer! And, you can jump on board, too.

THE NEW BRAND IN ACTION

What’s great about the new brand is that Member programs have the flexibility to use it in ways that meet their own unique needs. Check out how your peers are taking on the brand – and making it their own:

 
Meals on Wheels North Carolina

Albuquerque

 

Meals on Wheels Metro Tulsa

Meals on Wheels Jamestown Area
 
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Meals on Wheels San Antonio

HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE BRAND YOUR OWN


We’ve put all of the information and support you need to adopt the brand in one place: the Brand Resource Center at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/brand. Here you can find the simple steps to getting started and learn how to apply for a limited number of needs-based brand grants to support the effort.

Questions? Email brand@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

MAKING THE MOST OF MAY

We’re coming up on the last week of Older Americans Month and making every effort to use this opportunity to advocate for the seniors you serve. The Meals on Wheels America staff and Board of Directors have been speaking out in multiple ways for seniors and the legislation that supports Meals on Wheels programs (both congregate and home-delivered). Through our Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, our joint appropriations letter with the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, and President and CEO Ellie Hollander’s presentation of our legislative priorities before the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee just last week, it’s certainly been a month of action.


And, you too can join national, state and local advocates from around the country by participating in the #WeAreOAA Twitter chat THIS AFTERNOON at 1 p.m. EDT.

WeAreOAA


ELLIE SPEAKING OUT AT
THE SENATE DEMOCRATIC STEERING AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING


Last week, President and CEO Ellie Hollander was invited to speak at a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting focused on senior health and economic security. Ellie spoke to Meals on Wheels’ key legislative priorities, focusing on the need to increase funding for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs, like Meals on Wheels, to keep pace with inflation and a rapidly growing senior population. She also urged those in attendance to act on the National Commission on Hunger’s recommendations and to consider the DELIVER Act and the volunteers it supports, by introducing a companion bill in the Senate in the near future.

With the appropriations process in progress and Older Americans Month raising the profile of seniors in this country, this was an important opportunity to advocate.

ONE MORE WAY YOU CAN PARTICIPATE – TODAY!


Join the #WeAreOAA Twitter Chat TODAY at 1 p.m. EDT. Wondering what a Twitter Chat is? It’s when a group of Twitter users meet online at a pre-determined time to discuss a certain topic, using a designated hashtag (#WeAreOAA) for each tweet contributed.

Today’s chat will focus on the Older Americans Act and the need to increase funding for this vital piece of legislation. The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations @LCAgingOrgs will lead the chat and Meals on Wheels America  @_MealsonWheels and our Chief Advocacy and Government Affairs Officer Erika Kelly @NoSeniorHungry will also be actively participating.

You can join at www.twitter.com/#WeAreOAA and participate by retweeting, replying to questions or simply following along. Use #WeAreOAA in all of your tweets and #aging, #health, #OAA and/or #olderadults if you want to boost your reach. Make sure you follow @_MealsonWheels and @NoSeniorHungry to receive real-time updates.

Thank you again for all of your efforts during Older Americans Month to raise awareness about the issues facing the seniors you serve.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

 
Jersey City Dept HHS Senior Nutrition Meals on Wheels, Jersey City , NJ
Northern Kentucky Area Development District, Florence, KY
Yerington Paiute Tribe Elder Center, Yerington, NV
York County Council on Aging, Rock Hill, SC

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY SPOTLIGHTS SENIOR VULNERABILITY

 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

 
Since 2006, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recognizes June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The department’s Administration for Community Living (ACL) leverages the day to spotlight the abuse, neglect and exploitation experienced by hundreds of thousands of older persons across the world. The ACL reports that American seniors lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more each year to financial abuse and exploitation—funds that could pay for critical needs like housing, food and medical care.

THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED


  1. To help promote WEAAD in your community, check out the National Center on Elder Abuse’s Join Us in the Fight Against Elder Abuse page for information and activity ideas.
  2. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse has produced the Community Guide to Raise World Awareness on Adult Abuse Toolkit, which is full of proclamations, resources and more.
  3. The U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator can connect you with volunteering opportunities in your area to call or visit an isolated senior.

“FUTURE IS NOW” REPORT HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGES TO AGING AMERICA

In its recently-released article, the Altarum Institute highlights the challenges facing American society as the nation’s population enters “an unprecedented ‘age wave’ era” in which tens of millions of Americans are living into and beyond their 90’s. While the 2016 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is a positive step toward supporting seniors into the future, Senior Policy Analyst Anne Montgomery emphasizes the need for increased funding around critical services like Meals on Wheels.


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HOW FAR FOOD INSECURITY GOES IN AMERICA


In the aftermath of the 2013 budget sequester, three-quarters of Meals on Wheels programs nationwide had to cut the number of meals they served seniors—a fact that swelled wait lists for these services threefold. As a result, a 2015 Government Accountability Office report noted estimates that 83% of older “food insecure” adults do not receive much-needed meal services.

Meals on Wheels services, the report states, go hand in hand with healthcare expenditures in the country, as food insecurity leads directly to higher rates of hospitalization and placement in long-term care. A lack of support for the OAA and Meals on Wheels presents not only a burden on the U.S. economy but also a negative indicator on the ability to age with dignity and independence in America. 

Read the full report here.

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

YOUR INPUT NEEDED FOR US TO SHAPE HOW WE CAN BEST SUPPORT YOU

The purpose of the Data Acquisition and Training Assessment (DATA) project is to identify and develop user-friendly toolkits and resources that will assist programs like yours to more efficiently collect data on who we serve and what we do. These resources are especially needed for programs across our network to thrive within our changing service delivery landscape, including the healthcare environment.

 
While this project includes various phases, the first and arguably most important step, includes you and your valuable input. We ask that you please complete a 10-minute survey by this Friday, May 27. Click button on the right to begin.

Thank you very much for your feedback and time!

MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS

TOGETHER WE'LL RISE IN NASHVILLE

 
This year's foremost gathering of senior nutrition professionals in America now has an official home at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/conference! Here you'll learn just how the 2016 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo will push the limits of our thinking, explore emerging skills, offer fresh perspectives and share plans for seizing the opportunities ahead.

We hope you'll join us in Nashville so that together, the senior nutrition field can rise up like never before to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

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FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW TO START PLANNING FOR CONFERENCE


  1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION RATES – Discounted pricing expires on July 1 and additional discounts are applied when you attend with one or more of your colleagues. Don't miss out!
  2. REGISTER TO ATTEND OUR PRE-CONFERENCE INTENSIVE WORKSHOP ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 – Come early for Healthcare 101 - Players, Payers and Opportunities, a 101-level session hosted by the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging that will cover the exciting growth opportunities for senior nutrition programs to become part of the integrated healthcare solution for older adults and people with disabilities. Pre-registration is required.
  3. BOOK YOUR STAY IN NASHVILLE – Our discounted Conference room block at the stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is limited and rates will expire on August 1 or sooner once the block has filled. Last year, our room block sold out very quickly, so we recommend reserving your room as soon as possible if you'd like to stay on site. 
  4. BROWSE THE 2016 AGENDA – Check out a current listing of the concurrent sessions and workshops, networking events and keynotes being provided at this year's Conference.
  5. LEARN HOW EACH COURSE YOU ATTEND CAN ADD UP TO EARNING A LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CERTIFICATE from Meals on Wheels America – Conference courses provide everyone with the opportunity to work in the major areas and disciplines needed to manage, grow and sustain your programs, and attending Conference is the most efficient way to earn a Leadership Certificate.

 

We'll be adding full course descriptions and presenter bios in the upcoming weeks so check back often! If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact our Membership Team at 888-998-6325 or membership@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

We look forward to rising up in the Music City!

MORE MEALS, MORE CHOICE, MORE REACH

The latest addition to the Meals on Wheels America Member Discount Program allows Members to expand meal capacity, choice offering and geographic reach through cost-effective meal purchasing and client-direct drop shipments. Supplementing your current meal production and delivery operations with wholesale meals can enable you to support more seniors in your area. It’s also the perfect solution for senior congregate dining centers, care transitions and any scenario requiring quality, ready-to-heat meals.

3 ADVANTAGES OF OUR NATIONALLY-DISCOUNTED FROZEN MEALS


  1. INCREASE YOUR CAPACITY – If your kitchen is already operating at capacity or you’re paying more for less, you can serve more seniors through nationally-discounted frozen meals.
  2. EXPAND CLIENT CHOICE – Add a variety of meals that meet medical and dietary requirements including diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, renal and/or puree meals, among others.
  3. SERVE OUT-OF-REACH CLIENTS – Drop ship meals directly to clients who are outside of your routine coverage area.

 

To deliver competitively-priced meals packaged by a caring team in a USDA-inspected facility, Meals on Wheels America has partnered with Valley Services, Inc.’s well-established Traditions Meals Solutions brand – a pioneer in providing nutritious, frozen meals to the marketplace. And, through our Member Discount Program relationship with FedEx, we can extend a heavily discounted cost-per-meal rate for drop-shipped orders to those clients outside your routine coverage area.

 
To learn more about using competitively-priced frozen meals to expand your program’s capacity, choice offering and geographic reach, log in to Member Central or contact Steven Skelton at 706-436-3999 or steven@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

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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.

EIGHT MINI-GRANTS OF $10,000 EACH AVAILABLE – APPLY NOW!

 NRCNA

Eight competitive Mini-Grants of $10,000 each, offered by the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging (NRCNA) are available to eligible programs to cover consultant and other business expenses associated with implementing the project. Eligible organizations can be either a public organization or private, non-profit organization that currently receives funding from the Older Americans Act for Title III Part C - Nutrition Services or Title VI Grants for Native Americans to provide meal and other nutrition services to older adults in their community.

To apply, eligible programs must submit an application through Meals on Wheels America's Online Grant System by June 3, 2016. Please see the Request for Applications for more information.

APPLY NOW

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLABORATIVE

Senior nutrition program staff interested in applying for a Mini-Grant should watch our free webinar to learn more about the Learning Collaborative here. 

NEXT STEPS

Grant recipients will be announced on or around July 6, 2016. Once awarded the grant, grantees are committed to the goal of making at least one contract or partnership with an integrated care entity by August 31, 2017. For more information, please contact the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging at 703-548-5558 or resourcecenter@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

The NRCNA is a collaboration between the Administration for Community Living and Meals on Wheels America. Visit www.nutritionandaging.org to learn more about the NRCNA and to access more valuable resources for the national aging network.

RECOGNIZE AN ALL-STAR VOLUNTEER WITH THE AARP ANDRUS AWARD


volunteer

 
We know your volunteers go above and beyond for your program and the AARP Andrus Awards for Community Service is another opportunity that can help an extra-special individual receive some much-deserved recognition for their great work. We encourage you to use the helpful resources below to submit your nomination(s) by Friday, June 3.

We wish you and your hard-working volunteers the best of luck!

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULING MADE EASY

Purplewire, a web applications company, has created a custom volunteer scheduling system called Meals on Wheels Scheduler. Meals on Wheels Scheduler’s main features include the abilities to manage a large number of recurring volunteer shifts, as well as match the right volunteer to various opportunities within your program. Other features include:

  • Real-time status updates indicating if your volunteers have shown up for their designated tasks;
  • A volunteer accounting system to keep track of key metrics, like hours and mileage that each volunteer has provided throughout a specified time period; and
  • Status updates on upcoming shift assignments to determine if your program is fully staffed for the week.

Better yet, Meals on Wheels America Members save up to $250 annually when using this product. Learn more about the pricing structure on the bottom of this page.

WHAT OTHER MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS SCHEDULER

"Since we started using the Scheduler application, juggling 40 delivery routes and kitchen jobs and 300 volunteers and staff has become much easier."

- Michael Watrous, Volunteer Coordinator, Meals on Wheels Syracuse

"One of the critical tasks that a home delivered meal program needs to perform is volunteer management and scheduling. Meals on Wheels of Durham has been looking for a robust and flexible solution to this problem for several years. The Meals on Wheels Scheduler has proven to be that tool. It has freed almost 12 hours a week of our volunteer manager's time. This allows her more time to spend on other essential tasks - such as recruitment and retention. Kudos to your team for the development of this very useful product!"

- Gale Singer Adland, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels of Durham

 
Learn more about Meals on Wheels Scheduler here.

CREATING ADVISORY BOARDS THAT KEEP SUPPORTERS ENGAGED – WEBINAR, JUNE 9​

More than one-third of nonprofit organizations employ advisory boards as a way to engage individuals who want to support them, however can't always commit to serving on their Board of Directors. This is just one of the reasons advisory boards are formed and there are several other ways your program can create and utilize them. Register for this webinar taking place on Thursday, June 9 to learn how to assemble the right people to advise your program and how to get the most out of them.

    IN THIS WEBINAR YOU WILL:

    • Gain an understanding of advisory boards and the benefits and challenges associated with managing one;
    • Learn how to create an advisory board that is right for your program; and
    • Hear what the appropriate expectations are for individuals serving on an advisory board.
    WEBINAR: Creating Advisory Boards That Keep Supporters Engaged
    PRESENTER: Mary Beth Harrington
    WHEN: Thursday, June 9, 2016
    TIME: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
    COMPETENCY: Relationship Building
    TRACK: Management
    FEE: $25
    REGISTER NOW

    TRANSLATING THE NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES INTO PLANNING MEALS THAT PLEASE – WEBINAR, JUNE 14

    Senior Nutrition Programs can spend a lot of time and energy trying to find a balance between implementing the dietary guideline in their menus, their budget and client satisfaction. Register for this upcoming Meals on Wheels Leadership Academy webinar to learn how the recently-released 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines impacts your program's menu-planning strategies. Meals on Wheels America's Vice President for Program Development and Impact Linda Netterville, RD, LD, will discuss how you can provide appealing and nutritious meals that fit within both your budget and these guidelines.

      IN THIS WEBINAR YOU WILL:

      • Learn what’s new and what’s changed in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines and how it affects your program's menu planning activities; and
      • Explore the essentials of menu planning that focus on customer satisfaction.
      WEBINAR: Translating the New Dietary Guidelines into Planning Meals That Please
      PRESENTER: Linda Netterville, Vice President of Program Development and Impact, Meals on Wheels America
      WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 2016
      TIME: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
      COMPETENCY: Foodservice Knowledge
      TRACK: Nutrition
      FEE: $25
      REGISTER NOW