For the past two years, thousands of kūpuna remained sheltered in their homes. Today, many are looking forward to getting back to a more vibrant life of socialization and activities. For older adults, staying independent is an important part of maintaining their dignity. Their independence contributes to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This year, Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels (HMoW) continued to support Hawaii’s kūpuna as they emerged from their homes and began living active lives again.
Through an exciting new partnership with the YMCA of Honolulu, HMoW is helping active older adults thrive by providing them with healthy and delicious meal packs. Frozen meal packs – which include three meals, desserts, and juice – are delivered and distributed to five YMCA sites, including Kaimuki-Waialae, Kalihi, Leeward, Milliani, and Windward.
As part of the YMCA’s Kūpuna Congregate Meal Program, 250 YMCA members – 60 years old and older – enjoy socializing and participating in enrichment and physical activities, including Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Silver & Fit, and Chair Yoga. After participating in the program activity, kūpuna can enjoy their meals in the comfort of their homes. The YMCA of Honolulu is able to offer this program to its members for free, thanks to a grant from the City and County of Honolulu’s Elderly Affairs Division.
YMCA of Honolulu Membership Director Jonathan Kaholakula received meals from Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels Volunteers Diane Nakasone and Gwen Maeda.
“This is the first time the YMCA of Honolulu has offered an adult meals program, and we can already see the positive impact the program has on our active older adults’ health and wellbeing,” says Ananda Ferreira, Executive Director of the YMCA of Honolulu. “So many of them were home during the pandemic and didn’t feel comfortable gathering or participating in social activities. It’s an opportunity for them to get out of isolation, safely come together for activities, and to enjoy healthy meals.”
This partnership with Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels comes after two years of record-high meal deliveries. Last year, HMoW served nearly 175,000 meals on 74 routes throughout Oahu. Thanks to the support of volunteers, dedicated staff and kitchen partners, and the generosity of our community, HMoW has adapted and mobilized quickly.
“Early on, we knew that the right partner could help us meet the nutritional requirement for meals and help us serve hundreds of members through the island,” says Ananda. “Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels is able to do both excellently – and with the flexibility we needed as we got this program off the ground. They have been a terrific partner, and the impact of this program is already apparent.”
From left: Kendra Chong, Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels Driver; Ananda Ferreira, Executive Director, YMCA of Honolulu; Chris Pa, Senior Program Director; Jonathan Kaholakula, Membership Director; Gwen Maeda and Diane Nakasone, Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels Volunteers; and Dianne Lim-Tam, Association Director of Kupuna Programs
One participant Bev shared: “I am so grateful for the food that is being distributed – along with the enjoyable social activities. The meals are the most tasty and healthy that I have had for months since September when my husband passed away – and are helping me get stronger. I thank all of those involved in such an important program. We often neglect good, regular eating as we age, especially as we age alone.”
“We are so grateful to partner with an organization that shares our heart for Hawaii’s kūpuna,” says Michelle Cordero-Lee, Executive Director of Hawaii Meals on Wheels. “This program has all the ingredients to keep Hawaii’s kupuna thriving. Nutritious meals-to-go allow kūpuna to remain cautious, while the YMCA offers them a safe environment to stay physically active and to socialize with other older adults.”
The YMCA of Honolulu has plans to begin serving hot meals later this year. For information about the Kupuna Free Meals and Wellness Activities program, please visit https://www.ymcahonolulu.org/health-and-fitness/active-older-adults.
