Energized with the funding of $50,000 from the Walmart Foundation and the Meals on Wheels Association of America, plus donations from local philanthropists, Spectrum Generations has launched a radical new initiative to end senior hunger called WE SUSTAIN MAINE.
WE SUSTAIN MAINE is an innovation that will transform how senior nutrition is provided in Central Maine by incorporating food products from Maine’s own local farmers to create a sustainable and economically viable alliance.
What's New . . .
Rotary Gift Helps Homebound Seniors
Waterville Rotary Club President Don Plourde presents a $10,000 check to Gerry Queally, CEO and Denver Brown, Nutrition Director of Spectrum Generations. This gift is from the proceeds of the Rotary Club’s 47 Annual Radio Auction and will benefit Spectrum Generations’ Meals On Wheels and We Sustain Maine programs for homebound seniors and disabled adults throughout Central Maine. Click here for full story.
|
As Central Maine’s Area Agency on Aging, Spectrum Generations provides Meals On Wheels and in-center dining at our Senior Centers in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset and Waldo Counties plus the towns of Harpswell and Brunswick in Cumberland County - a total of 128 towns. This year alone, we will prepare, package and deliver 300,000 meals to homebound older and disabled adults living in rural Maine and in our Centers.
As a “Meals On Wheels” program in Maine that prepares its own food, Spectrum Generations is committed to fresh foods cooked in our own kitchens and delivered by our outstanding volunteers. This is a one of a kind opportunity to improve the nutritional health of Maine’s seniors while supporting sustainable agriculture from Maine’s own farms and reinvesting our food dollar—more than $250,000—back into Maine’s own economy.
It's a 5-fold win for Maine . . .
- Maine’s seniors receive healthy meals prepared and packaged in our own kitchens.
- Maine’s farmers benefit from a high-volume, reliable customer for their products.
- Maine’s environment is less stressed with long distance, out-of-state trucking and shipping.
- Maine’s economy benefits from local dollars directly reinvested into local economies.
- Maine’s reputation as a regional and national leader in sustainable agriculture and food security is enhanced.
Maine Dish Cook Off . . .
Spectrum Generations will also host an annual event (open to the public) that showcases Maine food products and features a “Maine Dish Cook Off” where teams compete to have their dish added to the Meals On Wheels and Center menus (using Maine grown products). High profile judges will select the winners.
|
The “Maine Dish Cook Off” will be filmed for Spectrum Generations Mature Lifestyle cable television program and broadcast statewide on Time Warner Cable Channel 9 as part of an overall marketing and media campaign to raise sustainable funds for WE SUSTAIN MAINE.
Strategic Advantages . . .
WE SUSTAIN MAINE represents a strategic win-win-win opportunity for (1) senior nutrition; (2) Maine agriculture; and (3) more diversified funding for mission-critical operations of Spectrum Generations.
Mission-critical program support will be increased for Meals On Wheels—one of our best-branded programs. Senior nutrition is at the heart of our mission and the demand for Meals On Wheels has been growing by up to 25% annually since the recession.
As a winning recipient of a $50,000 "Vision Grant" from the Walmart Foundation and the Meals on Wheels Association of America, Spectrum Generations will be featured in national publicity and community recognition campaigns. Additionally, Maine philanthropist Elsie Viles has jumped on board with substantial support and we have letters of support from key political figures.
In Summary . . .
Maine’s commitment to locally grown, sustainable agriculture will find a reliable customer in Spectrum Generations and our “Meals On Wheels” program.
In turn, the seniors of Central Maine who depend on “Meals On Wheels” can count on Spectrum Generations—just as they have for 40 years!
Will you help us raise the gifts needed to
guarantee WE SUSTAIN MAINE for the next decade?
Are you a member of the press? Please feel welcome to call 1-800-639-1553, TTY: 1-800-464-8703 for further information about We Sustain Maine.
