Meals on Wheels customers got an extra treat with their deliveries on March 10: books! Thanks to a partnership between the Fayette County Public Library and Fayette Senior Services. So far, 22 participants have signed up to receive books.
“The program’s impact goes beyond just feeding residents. By pairing a nutritious meal with a book, this initiative helps improve cognitive function and mental stimulation,” said Michelle Bennett-Copeland, Director of the Fayette County Public Library.
“Reading has long been associated with cognitive benefits, as it strengthens memory, improves focus, and boosts imagination. Homebound citizens can engage in a world of stories, travel through pages, and experience new ideas all from the comfort of their homes. We are excited to be part of this program and to see the positive impact it will have,” she said.
“We are so excited to partner with the library in providing access to books to our homebound seniors to foster their love of reading! The Meals on Wheels program is not just about delivering nutritious meals. It aims to combat the isolation so many homebound seniors experience. Every book lover knows it’s difficult to feel lonely when you are lost in a plot. Our hope is that this partnership will be another way to help our clients feel more connected to their community and contend with isolation. We look forward to seeing this program grow!” said Natalie Hynson, Meals On Wheels Care Manager and Coordinator.
About the Fayette County Public Library: The Fayette County Public Library offers a wide range of cultural and educational programs for all ages, fostering learning and community engagement. It provides free access to information, the internet, and word processing services, ensuring resources are available to everyone. The library also excels in research services, offering outstanding assistance for those seeking information. Its extensive collection includes over 139,000 volumes of books, audio CDs, DVDs, newspapers, and magazines. Additionally, the library is connected to the collections of more than 280 Georgia libraries through the PINES state network, expanding access to even more resources.
About Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels provides meals for homebound seniors in Fayette County, while also acting as a wellness check-in and friendly visit for so many seniors in our community. Meals are delivered by volunteers. These visits enable homebound seniors to continue to live independently in the comfort of their own home. Fayette Senior Services is the sole provider of Meals On Wheels for Fayette County.
