Novant Health Becomes First-Ever Community Champion Partner for Meals on Wheels Rowan: Strengthening Local Support!

SALISBURY — Meals on Wheels Rowan has officially welcomed Novant Health as its first Community Champion Corporate Partner. This exciting partnership merges corporate giving with on-the-ground volunteer activities aimed at supporting local seniors.

As part of this new initiative, Novant Health has pledged $20,000 to sponsor 1,300 meals for Rowan County seniors this year. This financial support guarantees that seniors receive nutritious meals and friendly visits, fostering a sense of community. In addition to the sponsorship, Novant Health employees will roll up their sleeves to deliver meals four times a year, creating a personal connection with the community they serve.

During the launch on March 31, Novant Health team members, including President Gary Blabon, delivered meals across four routes in Salisbury. Each meal was stamped with a Novant Health sticker, serving as a constant reminder of their commitment. “Volunteering brings our team closer to the community, and we are proud to support our seniors,” Blabon said.

Meals on Wheels Rowan Executive Director, Alexandra Fisher, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Novant Health is setting the gold standard for community engagement. Their support not only provides meals but also brings safety checks and social interactions to our homebound seniors, who may be lonely.”

This collaboration doesn’t stop at meal delivery. Novant Health is also creating a hospital discharge program aimed at reducing readmissions among high-risk seniors. Through this initiative, seniors leaving the hospital who are identified as food insecure will receive home-delivered meals for two weeks. Meals on Wheels coordinators will then assess their needs to connect them with further resources to aid their recovery and maintain their independence.

Currently, Meals on Wheels Rowan feeds 325 homebound seniors each weekday, with about 125 receiving meals for free. Approximately 96% of these beneficiaries also receive partial subsidies. The organization relies on various funding sources, including federal grants and community donations. The new partnership with Novant Health will help bridge funding gaps, ensuring that no senior goes hungry regardless of their financial situation.

“Partnerships like these are essential for meeting the growing needs of homebound seniors in Rowan County,” Fisher remarked. Supporting community wellness is crucial as society faces an increasing number of aging individuals who require assistance. “This partnership empowers seniors to maintain their health and independence as they age. We are incredibly thankful for Novant Health’s commitment,” she added.

In recent conversations on social media, many community members expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative. Posts celebrating the partnership have received positive reactions for encouraging local businesses to give back. As one Twitter user noted, “It’s heartening to see companies like Novant Health stepping up for our seniors!”

By joining hands, Novant Health and Meals on Wheels Rowan are not only providing meals but also reinforcing the social fabric of their community. Through efforts like these, they help ensure that seniors can stay healthy, safe, and connected to their neighborhoods.

For further details about Meals on Wheels Rowan and their initiatives, you can visit Meals on Wheels Rowan.

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