Care-giving for senior citizens

All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver. Listen in to hear from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Dawn Opel, Food Bank Council of Michigan's Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives discuss the importance of care-giving in our communities, especially senior citizens. Our senior citizens are at risk more so than any other population group in this pandemic. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illnesses due to physiological changes that come with aging and potential underlying health conditions. Therefore, congregate feeding sites were no longer an option and many seniors were without food. Our team launched into collaborative action with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency to create a quarantine box. The quarantine box contents are well-balanced, high in protein, contain 33 items, weigh 26.5 pounds, and provide 22 adult meals. Listening to the wisdom of someone who has lived their life offers us the opportunity to grasp wisdom and use the hard lessons life taught them to make our lives better. Cherish the wisdom around you – it is powerful. As always, FOOD FIRST.