A recent survey conducted by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley found that the #1 concern identified by seniors is food insecurity.
This is the first time that transportation has been surpassed as the most important need for Newburyport seniors. I was surprised to learn this from Rosann Robillard, the Director of the Newburyport Council on Aging. We discussed several programs available to seniors and the need to bring awareness to the issues.
I hope that readers will become aware of this growing problem faced by some of our senior neighbors and will understand available options. We can all try to spend an hour a month to support those groups and agencies who minister to the needs of our seniors.
In addition to home delivery for eligible residents, Meals on Wheels are served every weekday at Central Congregational Church on Titcomb Street in Newburyport. Seniors may make reservations by calling 617-449-8955. The suggested donation for each meal is $2.00. The Meals on Wheels monthly menu is available in the Council on Aging monthly newsletter and website, or at the COA office at 40 Water Street, 978-462-8650.
The Newburyport COA also provides a Brown Bag Program through the cooperative efforts of the Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
A typical Brown Bag contains perishable and shelf-stable foods such as cereal, beef stew, canned tuna, pasta and pasta sauce, raisins, apple juice, instant oatmeal, fresh vegetables, frozen meat and cheese. There is no cost to seniors. One bag per household is available on the first Tuesday of each month. To be eligible for the Brown Bag program you must be older than 60 and receive MassHealth, Fuel Assistance or Food Stamps, or have a yearly income below $21,257 (single) or $28694 (two persons).
Local merchants including Shaw’s, Panera Bread, Abraham’s Bagels and Starbucks donate bread and baked goods at the end of the day and these are available in the Salvation Army office at 40 Water Street. These baked goods are available to all Newburyport residents.
Pettengill House, Inc. at 13 Lafayette Road in Salisbury is a non-profit social service agency serving individuals from Amesbury, Salisbury, Newburyport, Newbury, Merrimac, West Newbury, Rowley, Byfield and Groveland. Pettengill House sponsors a Food Pantry at their Salisbury office on Tuesdays from 9 – 2 and 4 – 6. Pantry items available include food stuffs and personal care items (soap, deodorant, paper towel, toilet tissue).
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, local Councils on Aging and Pettengill all make referrals to the Newburyport Society for Relief of Aged Women (NSRAW).
NSRAW is a private not-for-profit foundation established in 1835 by a small group of women who were concerned for aged and poor women in the area. Initially, these concerned women visited struggling residents in their area and brought packages of tea, flour, sugar and clothing. The original house was located at 18 Olive Street and housed women who needed safe, clean housing. Several donations were received from wealthy residents and in 1887 Mrs. Wheelwright died and bequeathed her home at 75 High Street, Newburyport to the society, along with $5000 to maintain the society.
Over time the expenses of updating and maintaining the home depleted the resources and in 2006 the Wheelwright House was sold. Following the closing of Wheelwright House, the Board of Directors established a plan to fulfill its Mission by using resources to serve needy women, over age 60 in the designated area of Newburyport, Newbury and Salisbury. The Society solicits applications for aid from individuals to meet critical needs such as health care, utility assistance, rent, food vouchers and assistance with unexpected bills.
Seniors living in Newburyport also may go to some of the following locations for food and some companionship:
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Monday – Friday, Salvation Army , coffee from 8:30am;
Monday 11:00 – 12:30, Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Harris Street and 5:30 – 6:00, St. Paul’s Church, 166 High Street;
Tuesday 11:30 – 1:00, St. Paul’s Church, 5:00 Immaculate Conception, 42 Green Street;
Wednesday 11:30, Salvation Army, 40 Water Street, 4:00 – 6:oo Our Neighbor’s Table, 145 Main Street, Amesbury;
Thursday 5:00 Salvation Army;
Friday 11:30 – 1:00 St. Paul’s Church;
Saturday 9:30 – 10:30, Brunch, All Saint’s Church, 67 Friend Street, Amesbury
First Sunday of the month, 3:00 – 4:00 the Ahavas Achim sponsors a social hour and food pantry.
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I hope that readers will recognize that Food Insecurity is a silent problem for our neighbors and will support those agencies.
Organizations that address these issues are always in need of nonperishable cans of food, volunteers and financial support. Or take part in a local fundraiser.
Next month the Pettengill House will be hosting their 3rd annual Pettengill Cup, a fundraising golf tournament to be held Monday, July 28, 2014 at the Ipswich Country Club. The shot-gun start will be at 1:30 and proceeds will help fund the many programs Pettengill House provides. Participate or be a corporate sponsor. For more information on the golf tournament, please call 978-463-8801.
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Donate items to Our Neighbors Table
Learn more here about the Pettengill Cup