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By Hawaiian Electric:

Lanakila Pacific has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Hawaiian Electric and the HEI Charitable Foundation (HEICF) for its Meals on Wheels program which provides meals and support for O?ahu’s elderly through a free home delivery service.

“For many of Hawai?i’s most vulnerable kupuna, our services make the difference in having access to nutritious meals and combating loneliness and isolation,” said Lori Lau, Director of Meals on Wheels. “For many of our kupuna, this meal might be the only one they eat that day, and our staff or volunteer delivering the meal might be the only person they have contact with as well.” Lau said the program served more than 2,500 individuals last year.

“Our seniors have done so much and made a lot of sacrifices for this generation,” said Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric president & CEO and HEICF president. “We are grateful for organizations like Lanakila Pacific and the Lanakila Meals on Wheels program that make it possible for our kupuna to age in place with dignity while avoiding the high cost of assisted living or nursing care.”

Lanakila Meals on Wheels is the only island-wide home delivery service program, available Monday-Saturday (including holidays), for homebound individuals who are 60 years of age or older and unable to prepare their own meals due to cognitive or physical challenges.

Priority is given to seniors living in rural or isolated areas, from low-income households, living alone, and/or those individuals with more severe health conditions and disabilities. Spouses or caregivers of the homebound individual also may be eligible for the service.

Interested seniors, family members and neighbors can call 356-8519 to set up a referral. A home visit may be required to assess the individual’s needs. To volunteer, make a donation, or learn more about Lanakila Meals on Wheels, visit lanakilapacific.org.

The donation to Lanakila Pacific will be added to Hawaiian Electric’s growing list of “125 Acts of Aloha” for the community as the company commemorates its 125th anniversary. “Acts of Aloha” are charitable donations and service projects benefitting agencies and programs committed to building a more sustainable future for Hawai?i.

Photo courtesy of Aloha United Way – Hawaii Cares

Volunteers help deliver meals to a senior for the Lanakila Meals on Wheels program.