Valley of the Sun United Way new program to provide over 78K meals for seniors

PHOENIX — Valley of the Sun United Way announced Wednesday it has launched a new meal program that will provide more than 78,400 restaurant-style meals to Valley seniors in need.

Ruby’s Diner in Anthem prepares and freezes the meals that are both nutritious and low sodium as part of a partnership with United Way for the Senior Connect program, according to the release.

The meals are then distributed to approximately 1,000 seniors across the North and Northwest Valley by 11 food banks and nonprofit organizations.

Seniors get six meals per week as part of the five-month program, according to the release, along with other information about services they may be eligible for, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“Our goal is to not only work with our partners to provide nutritious food now, but to help connect older adults to resources that will assist them long-term with food insecurity, healthcare access and other pressing needs,” Rob Podlogar, chief community development and engagement officer for Valley of the Sun United Way, said in the release.

Funding for the program comes from a grant provided to United Way by the MacKenzie Scott Foundation.

The program started last month and will continue through the end of the year, according to the release.

Senior Connect is part of United Way’s five-year plan to address food insecurity and other issues across the county.

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