Provide food for older adults with GivingTuesdayNow May 5

AgeOptions is responding to meet the needs of 550,000 older adults and people with disabilities in suburban Cook County, many of whom are struggling with food insecurity, following the mandatory closure of congregate meal sites and the increased demand on food delivery programs.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity, set to take place May 5, as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day provides everyone around the world with the opportunity to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where they are.

"During this difficult time, when each of us is experiencing the challenges of the pandemic in our own way, the simple act of giving can bring all of us together," said Diane Slezak, AgeOptions CEO. "Generosity in all forms empowers each of us to make a positive change in someone else's life."

Last month, in response to the mandatory shelter-in-place order from the state of Illinois, 36 congregate meal sites in suburban Cook County were shuttered. These are places where thousands of older adults and people with disabilities gather for nutritious meals and social interaction each day.

Twenty-one "Memory Cafes," where people with dementia and their caregivers can meet for healthy meals, support and interaction, were closed as well.

Those depending on AgeOptions' partner community agencies for healthy group meals are now met in a parking lot with prepackaged meals or have meals delivered to their doors by volunteers and supplemental delivery services.

While the cost to older adults of increased social isolation cannot be quantified, the cost to AgeOptions of providing prepackaged meals and additional delivery in the community has increased exponentially.

It is the hope of AgeOptions that, on May 5, the community can join together to provide emergency support for isolated older adults and critical nutrition programs.

People can show their generosity in a variety of ways: making a donation to AgeOptions, making someone smile, helping a neighbor, calling an isolated older person, advocating for an issue they care about or sharing a skill.

To join AgeOptions' #GivingTuesdayNow efforts, visit www.ageoptions.org/donate.