On August 10th, Meals on Wheels Chicago celebrated an important milestone. For 35 years, the home meal delivery program has helped food-insecure seniors and individuals with disabilities stay health, nourished, and independent in their own homes. What started as a program serving 1,218 seniors a hot Thanksgiving meal in 1987 is now a program that serves over 13,000 people annually, making weekly deliveries that add up to 4.7 million meals each year to those struggling with food insecurity. In the 35 years since the program began in Chicago, the need has grown dramatically. With 1 in 5 Americans 60 or older, 12,000 more turning 60 each day, and 7.4 million seniors living on incomes below the poverty line, more people are at risk of hunger and isolation than ever before. This month also marks the official launch of Nourish Chicago, A Meals on Wheels Pantry, in a continued effort to put health on the pantry shelf for seniors. Nourish Chicago Pantry advances Meals on Wheels Chicago’s mission to improve quality of life and maximize independence for seniors in our community. The cost of food and limited transportation to full-stock grocery stores can limit a senior’s access to fresh produce and pantry goods, and seniors living on a fixed income are often forced to choose between food, medicine, and the cost of housing. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelschicago.org.