Fundraiser Set for New Elderly Food Pantry

The following was provided by Mystic Valley Elder Services:

On Tuesday, June 12, the Whole Foods Market at 2151 Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford will donate 5% of the day’s net profits to start a new elder food pantry in Medford.

Mystic Valley Elder Services, a non-profit organization that provides critical life-supporting care to elders and adults living with disabilities in Medford and surrounding areas, will be the recipient of the funds. Mystic Valley Elder Services will be opening a new elder food pantry for low-income elders living in Medford. The new food pantry will open in August and will be held at the Medford Senior Center, 101 Riverside Avenue. Mystic Valley Elder Services currently runs 12 elder food pantries in neighboring cities and towns.

Mystic Valley Elder Services encourages local residents to plan to do their shopping (and stock up for summer) on Tuesday, June 12. According to recent U.S. Census data, nearly 10% of elders in Medford are living under the poverty level.

“Elders in Medford deserve access to healthful, nutrient-rich food. Too many elders in our community are hungry right now,” says Barbara Rougier, who is overseeing the new elder food pantry in Medford and directs the Nutrition Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services. “Community members can have a positive impact on elder hunger by simply doing their own shopping.”

“We’re grateful that Whole Foods is partnering with us on this project to fight elder hunger in Medford,” says Mystic Valley Elder Services executive director Dan O’Leary. “But we’re even more gratified that our partnership will result in wholesome, good food on the tables of elders.”

The Whole Foods Market in Medford will also offer customers the opportunity to donate to this new food pantry at the checkout stand throughout the month of June. The 5% donation from Whole Foods, however, only applies to sales on Tuesday, June 12.

For more information about the many programs of Mystic Valley Elder Services, visit www.mves.org.