Meals on Wheels acknowledges GAF

Meals on Wheels Orange County (MOWOC) acknowledged The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) as one of its contributors in 2022 on Nov. 9 at the First Annual Contributors’ Luncheon, titled “Behind The Wheel Driving Impact” in Costa Mesa.

All of the contributors, board members, volunteers and team visitors totaling 150 guests were recognized for helping aging seniors in Orange County.

Darla Olson, vice president of advancement at MOWOC, reported that the nonprofit has been working to erase hunger and isolation for at-risk older adults for 54 years. Its overall goal is to combat the three biggest threats to this group: malnourishment, isolation and loss of independence.

Older adults make up the fastest-growing age group in Orange County, and by 2050, residents over 65 will account for nearly 25% of the county’s entire population, according to MOWOC.

In recent years, an alarming 29% of lower-income older adults in Orange County have reported being food insecure, according to a 2016-2018 California Health Interview Survey.

Of all MOWOC clients, 77% live at or below the federal poverty level, 60% are disabled, and 52% live alone.

During the pandemic and post-pandemic, the GAF donated to MOWOC to help LW residents who have health issues, lack of resources, mobility issues and isolation. The Seal Beach Lunch Program is provided by MOWOC located at the North Seal Beach Center, 3333 St. Cloud Drive, Seal Beach.

A dine-in lunch café is now open Thursdays from 11 a.m.-noon. Starting Monday, Dec. 5, the program will be offered five days a week, from 11 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. It is open to all adults aged 60 years and older. The suggested donation is $3. For more information about the cafe, call 562-430-6079 between 8 a.m.-noon or visit the city website at www.sealbeachca.gov.

For more information, go to www.goldenagefdn.org or call 562-431-9589.