Vermont Business Magazine Age Well has announced a generous $5,000 donation from the Fanny Allen Corporation to support Age Well’s Medically Tailored Meals, a key component of the Meals on Wheels program. This contribution will directly help provide nutritious, medically appropriate meals to Vermonters with specific health conditions, supporting their independence and overall health.
“Fanny Allen Corporation’s support allows us to continue delivering meals that meet the unique dietary needs of older adults who require a specific diet to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and renal disease,” said Tracey Shamberger, Director of Business Development and Communications at Age Well. “These meals help improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and support safer recovery at home.”
Medically Tailored Meals: Personalized Nutrition for Older Adults
- Eligibility: Anyone 60 years of age or older who is unable to obtain or prepare meals due to physical, mental, or cognitive conditions. Also eligible are the spouse, regardless of age, and individuals under 60 with a disability residing with an eligible recipient.
- Customization: Meals are designed by registered dietitians and can be modified for dietary restrictions, texture needs, or chronic condition management. Age Well offers seven medically tailored meal options: Heart Healthy, Diabetic Friendly, Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Renal Friendly, and texture-modified meals.
- Benefits: Improved health outcomes reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits, convenience, and enhanced satisfaction for recipients. Meals on Wheels are far less costly to communities and healthcare systems compared with hospital or nursing home care.
Meals on Wheels Program Impact
Age Well’s Meals on Wheels and community meal programs provide and deliver more than 318,000 meals annually to older Vermonters throughout Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. Beyond a nutritious meal, each delivery offers a friendly visit and a safety check—lifelines that help older adults remain independent in their own homes.
“With Vermont having the second-oldest population in the nation, programs like Meals on Wheels play a crucial role in helping older adults live safely and independently at home,” said Tracey Shamberger. This can mean the difference between independent living at home and an unwelcome transfer to a costly long-term care facility. Meals on Wheels delivers a full year of nutritious meals at a cost comparable to just one hospital day or ten nursing home days, preventing higher healthcare expenses while supporting seniors’ independence.” “When a Meals on Wheels volunteer knocks on the door, older Vermonters receive far more than a meal,” said Shamberger. “Each visit includes a nutritious, tailored meal, a safety check, and a friendly visit—all essential ways we help seniors stay independent and thrive at home.”
Voices of Those We Serve:
“Many of us are concerned about what will happen to us when the time comes that we need some additional assistance but do not need nor want to go into a nursing home.” – Participant from 2025 Aging Needs Survey
“Meals on Wheels isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifeline. Knowing someone checks in each day gives me peace of mind and helps me stay independent at home.” – Age Well Meal Recipient.
About Fanny Allen Corporation: Since 2015, the Fanny Allen Corporation has provided compassionate support and essential services to individuals and families across the state. Serving people of all ages—including the young, elderly, incarcerated, and recently released—their programs promote dignity, confidence, and personal development. Learn more at www.fannyallen.org
About Age Well: Founded in 1974, Age Well provides older Vermonters with the services they need to manage daily living, maintain independence, and age safely in place. Programs include Meals on Wheels, care coordination, wellness programs, transportation, and caregiver support. Guided by its mission to empower and support individuals as they age by providing community connection and access to services, Age Well helps remove barriers by offering healthy meals, in-home care, and community resources. Delivered by staff and over 1,000 dedicated volunteers, services are designed to meet the diverse needs of clients, their families, and caregivers. For more information, call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or visit www.agewellvt.org
About Meals on Wheels America: Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs nationwide that address senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce, the network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and enables independence and well-being through additional benefits such as social connection, safety, and tailored nutrition. Meals on Wheels America provides funding, education, research, and advocacy to empower local programs to strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
11.25.2025. Colchester, VT — Age Well
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