United Way North Central Florida awarded a $20,000 grant to ElderCare of Alachua County’s Senior Nutrition program as part of its effort to support ALICE households.  

The additional funding will provide meals to seniors living in rural areas of Alachua County who qualify under the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold. Besides helping meet nutrition levels, the meal deliveries also serve as a well-being check for the seniors.  

Amber Miller, CEO of United Way North Central Florida, said senior households have the second-highest rate of financial hardship, with 50% meeting the ALICE threshold.  

“In an economy where our fixed-income elder population is forced to choose between medications or food, this grant will empower ElderCare to deliver an estimated additional 6,235 meals to seniors in need,” Miller said in a press release.  

Each senior will also have a case manager to help them access other community resources and services.