SeniorsPlus receives Meals on Wheels funding

LEWISTON — SeniorsPlus has received a $40,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to help support the organization’s Meals on Wheels program.

The grant award was administered through the company’s State Giving Program, supporting organizations that create opportunities so people may live better. Grants are awarded to programs viewed to have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

“We are thankful for the donation the Walmart Foundation made to help fight hunger in Maine and reduce the likelihood of a wait list for Meals on Wheels. It is because of partners like Walmart that we are able to continue with our mission to keep older adults fed, independent and healthy,” said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, president and CEO of Lewiston-based SeniorsPlus, which is western Maine’s designated Agency on Aging.

The grant award from the foundation will cover food and delivery costs for almost 12,000 meals for 45 individuals in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. In 2015, SeniorsPlus received grant funding from the foundation, which enabled the organization to purchase a new Meals on Wheels delivery truck.

SeniorsPlus delivers more than 100,000 meals annually to 800 homebound older adults and adults with disabilities.