Loneliness Affects 1 in 5 People: How FeedMore WNY Helps Combat Social Isolation

A recent Gallup poll survey revealed an unfortunate statistic that, one in five people experience daily loneliness. As we age, factors like loss of mobility, reduced social networks, and physical isolation can amplify feelings of loneliness. Fortunately, programs like FeedMore WNY’s Home-Delivered Meals and Companion Calls are making a difference by not only providing nutritional support but also offering vital social interaction for those who need it most.

At FeedMore WNY, we understand that our Home-Delivered Meals program offers more than just nourishment: it provides human connection. Our dedicated volunteers not only deliver meals but are trained to conduct wellness checks for FeedMore WNY’s home-delivered meal clients. These visits often serve as a consistent source of companionship for our clients. Oftentimes, their visit from their home-delivered meal volunteer may be a client’s only social interaction for the day.

In addition to meal deliveries, our Companion Call Program provides older adults with regular phone calls from compassionate volunteers. This initiative was created to combat social isolation, offering older adults a chance to connect with a friendly voice, share their thoughts, and feel supported. The calls are tailored to the individual, offering them a comfortable and familiar space to talk about their day, their challenges, or simply have a conversation.

At FeedMore WNY, we understand that positive social and emotional health is just as critical as one’s physical health.

FeedMore WNY worked with WKBW’s Jeff Russo to talk about how FeedMore WNY’s programs help combat the growing problem of loneliness. Watch the report here.




FeedMore WNY Chief Workforce Development Officer Jay Smith is interviewed by 7 News WKBW.