CARIBOU, Maine — CARL (Center for the Advancement of Rural Living), CARS (County Area Ride Service) was the recipient of a $3,500 grant from Maine Council on Aging through Hannaford Supermaket’s Connection, Health and Equity Through Food program. CHEF was launched in 2023 to improve the health and well-being of diverse older adults through greater access to food and social connection.
One of our participants says, “I received nothing but friendly, on-time service. This is an excellent service for the elderly, and others who are unable to drive for whatever reason. Whether it’s picking up groceries, running errands, going to doctor’s appointments, hospital one-day procedures, or other medical services, this service is a Godsend for many people in my area.”
Another participant states, “There are a vast number of senior citizens in Northern Maine; some have a disability, some have no driver’s license. A ride from this organization makes their life easier and brings them happiness.”
The CARS service provides a great service to many in the area who would otherwise miss medical appointments, go without food or medicine or spend their days alone. This service provides so much more than transportation for those in need; for some it is the only contact they have with others. The bond of friendship that forms between the volunteer drivers and the riders is priceless.
CHEF was launched with a $1.3 million donation to Maine Council on Aging from Hannaford on December 12, 2023, under the banner of Hannaford’s “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative. The CHEF program funds organizations and projects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York that are supporting the needs of diverse older adults — including improving access to food and increasing opportunities for socialization.
Hannaford introduced Eat Well, Be Well in September 2022 to help break down the barriers that challenge access to healthy, nutritious food and wellness resources. Hannaford has donated nearly $3 million to organizations under the Eat Well, Be Well banner.
For more information about Hannaford’s community efforts and charitable giving initiatives, visit Hannaford.com/HannafordHelps.
