PILOT PROGRAM TO DELIVER FREE MEALS AND HEALTHY LIVING TIPS TO OLDER ADULTS, FAMILIES IN WIGGINS VILLAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY
[PROVIDENCE, RI, Monday, June 22] — The YMCA of Greater Providence today announced a new Food & Fitness program in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. The pilot program will provide nutritious, culturally appropriate meals and fitness education to older adults raising grandchildren in the Wiggins Village affordable housing community on the West End of Providence. West End is one of the city’s neighborhoods hit hardest by COVID-19.
“The Y serves as a catalyst for positive change in our communities – and where society falls short, we step in,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, YMCA of Greater Providence Chief Executive Officer. “We’re honored to partner with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging on this critical mission to deliver food and simple, at-home exercises to our most vulnerable population,” said O’Donnell. “We are also grateful to Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express, Carolina’s Restaurant, and Paquette’s Family Restaurant, for generously providing their time and healthy meals so together, we can build healthier communities,” said O’Donnell.
Beginning tomorrow, nearly 100 older adults and their families living in the Wiggins Village community will receive twice-weekly meals, as part of the Food & Fitness program. Participants will also receive exercise bands, along with fitness instruction and nutritional tips to encourage healthy living while physically distancing. The pilot runs through August 2020 and may be extended, if there is a need and funding available.
“Our work to ensure that every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to age strong has never been more urgent,” said Rosamaria Amoros Jones, Director of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. “This crisis has taken a tremendous toll on older adults and especially those with limited means and who are caring for young children and other family members. It’s critical that we work together to support our families. We are thrilled to partner with the YMCA and local restaurants to get healthy, culturally relevant food and resources to the people who need it the most right now. At the same time, we’re proud to also support these vital, local businesses, which are an important part of our community and economy.”
The YMCA of Greater Providence is seeking public support to help sustain vital programs like Food & Fitness for Rhode Island families. Pledge your support at www.feedfitness.org.
ABOUT THE Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationship and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across hundreds of communities throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Learn more at gpymca.org.
