YMOW’s 50th birthday is certainly something to celebrate, but it coincides with another major milestone that will require us to work even harder for our senior neighbors. In 2024, more Americans will turn 65 than in any other year in history.
There is an aging crisis on the horizon. By 2030, 24% of Michiganders will be 60 and older. By 2040, the number of Washtenaw County seniors living in poverty will more than double, according to information from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Meanwhile, food costs continue to rise and government aid continues to shrink.
We see the storm brewing, and we’re preparing for its impact. On Jan. 1, 2024, YMOW will launch our “Give More to Feed More” project – an effort to raise enough capital to fund an additional one million meals over the next five years. This means raising an additional $6 million, representing an overall growth of over 40% through 2028.
Success in this campaign hinges on educating the community about the aging crisis on the horizon and the many ways they can help us meet the challenge. We can’t stop the storm from coming, but together, we can prepare to absorb the blow.
Our anniversary year is full of opportunities, big and small, for the community to help us prepare for what lies ahead, including:
- Pi(e) Day on Thursday, March 14
- Meals on Heels on Friday, April 26
- Lemonade Lane pop-ups at local events
- 50th anniversary swag, available soon!
Download our SAVE THE DATE brochure for more information!
There’s much more in the works as we prepare for our 50th birthday and this major endeavor. You can stay informed by following us on social media or by subscribing to our newsletter. Just send an email to sandy@ymow.org or visit our website.
* We welcome the chance to tell you more! To schedule an interview with a member of the YMOW team, please contact Sandy Bosch at sandy@ymow.org, or Marketing and Development Manager Dannielle Murphy at danni@ymow.org.
