Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email

Grant helps expand services for at-risk older adults in Middle Tennessee

“The past year has been hard, but it has been great to have a place that gives you the support you need,” said Gay, 77, of Dickson.

Gay is a client of FiftyForward in Bordeaux, a Second Harvest Partner Agency and leading resource for older adults in Middle Tennessee. Through its seven locations in Davidson and Williamson counties, the organization provides educational and wellness programs, as well as other wrap-round services for individuals aged 50+, including food assistance in partnership with Second Harvest.

Older adults playing bingo at the FiftyFoward Bordeaux location.

“During the pandemic, they delivered the food right to my door,” said Gay. “It was a godsend.”

“Older adults in Middle Tennessee face many challenges, from isolation to lack of transportation and access to healthy foods,” said Gretchen Funk, Chief Program Officer for FiftyForward. “Partnerships, like the one with Second Harvest, enable us to serve the full needs of our clients.”

A recent grant from the West End Home Foundation is now helping grow FiftyForward’s existing programming while targeting traditionally underserved areas of Nashville – Antioch/South Nashville, Old Hickory, and North Nashville. This includes Second Harvest providing 2,220 bags of nutritious groceries and 900 shelf-stable food boxes to be distributed by FiftyForward to older adults in the community.

In addition, quarterly nutrition education will be provided to support healthy diet management, and a grant-funded coordinator position will guide new food and services.

“We see food assistance as an entry-point,” said Funk. “With this funding, we will be able to expand our reach and take a more holistic approach in addressing the needs of the seniors we serve.”

“It is very special to have a place like FiftyForward there for you when you need help,” said Gay. “I just don’t know what I would do without them.”

Learn more about Second Harvest Senior Feeding Programs as well as ways you can help feed hope and fight hunger for older adults in Middle Tennessee.

Sign up for our emails to get updates and inspiration straight to your inbox.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.