Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County is a program of Community Bridges. We help vulnerable seniors and disabled residents live independent lives. When given the choice, most elders choose to stay in their own homes rather than move to an assisted living residence or nursing home. Our program helps make that quality of life choice possible for elders who are unable to cook or shop for themselves. In addition to providing a daily balanced meal that meets the California Department of Aging nutrition standards, our team of staff and volunteers bring a smiling face and human contact to home-bound seniors - in some cases the only human contact our clients may see that day. Additionally, our five dining centers offer a variety of activities and a free hot meal to anyone 60 years of age or older. MEETING LOCAL NEEDS
The California Elder Economic Security Standard Index, known as the Elder index, indicates that 42% of all elders aged 65 or older do not have enough income to meet their most basic needs. That’s over 11,000 elders struggling to make ends meet in Santa Cruz County and an additional 9,000 fall into the “eligibility gap” with incomes above the federal poverty line, but insufficient to cover basic needs. Our meals program is a critical piece of the effort to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. For more information about Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County, go to communitybridges.org/mow