St Alexius Outreach Ministries

SENIOR CENTER FOOD DELIVERY The Senior Center Food Delivery Program was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address the increasing issue of food insecurity among older adults. As public health restrictions were lifted, and community gatherings resumed, St. Alexius Outreach Ministries recognized a continued need for food assistance among this vulnerable population. The program procures non-perishable food items from local grocery stores, which are then packaged and distributed to senior activity centers throughout Southeast Tennessee counties. These centers, which provide a range of services to older residents, were equipped to offer these food packages for seniors to take home, ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals. In 2024, the program delivered a total of 2,880 bags containing canned and dry goods. This initiative is part of our broader effort to combat hunger by supporting individuals who may lack the financial resources to meet their basic nutritional needs. Our goal is to alleviate food insecurity and improve the overall well-being of the senior population in the communities we serve.

SHOPPING SHUTTLE SERVICES St. Alexius Outreach Ministries provides weekly shopping shuttle services for residents of four Chattanooga Housing Authority complexes. The service offers door-to-door, round-trip transportation to local grocery stores, operating two trips daily. The targeted areas are recognized as food deserts, lacking sufficient grocery stores, markets, and providers of healthy food options. The shuttle service addresses this gap by ensuring reliable access to essential food supplies. A dedicated driver not only assists with the transportation but also supports participants with loading and unloading groceries and advocates for their needs. Many of the residents served by the shuttle are older adults who are unable to drive due to hearing, vision, or mobility impairments, or simply because they do not own vehicles. This transportation service is a crucial link that provides these individuals with a free, dependable way to access groceries, thus fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Beyond just transportation, the shuttle gives residents the ability to choose their food, promoting autonomy in their dietary decisions. It also fulfills a critical social need, as elderly individuals are statistically more likely to experience loneliness than any other age group. In 2024, St. Alexius Outreach Ministries transported residents to grocery stores, significantly enhancing their access to food and contributing to reduced social and economic disparities. The program not only supports nutritional needs but also encourages socialization and community engagement, which are vital to improving the overall well-being of the residents. As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding access to shopping shuttle services within our community, we plan to enhance the program in the near future by adding an additional shuttle bus and dedicated driver. This expansion is in response to the completion of a new Chattanooga Housing Development and is aimed at increasing our capacity to meet the growing transportation needs of residents in the community we serve.

MOBILE DELIVERY ILLINOIS The Alexian Brothers have been serving Illinois for over 150 years, providing care to individuals facing illness, mental health challenges, aging issues, homelessness, and those who are homebound. Recent data shows a growing concern over food insecurity, particularly among marginalized communities. The Mobile Delivery Illinois program was developed as an extension of our existing food insecurity initiatives. This program delivers food packages to low-income seniors and homebound families on the west side of Chicago. In partnership with the Franciscans of the Eucharist and the Mission of Our Lady of Angels Food Distribution Center, Mobile Delivery Illinois provides weekly deliveries at no cost to recipients' homes or designated drop-off points, ensuring food is distributed with dignity and compassion. In addition to food, our drivers offer socialization, prayer, and other holistic and religious support services. This approach fosters participants' emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, providing both nourishment and faith-based care. In 2024, Mobile Delivery Illinois delivered 15,086 food packages to individuals and families. Our "Feed to Go" initiative also distributed food to individuals on street corners and in homeless camps. As the need for food security continues to grow, our program expanded by more than 21 percent in 2024. Guided by our core values of compassion, dignity, and care for the poor, we emphasize holistic support and collaboration. Mobile Delivery Illinois remains committed to prioritizing racial and socioeconomic justice and promoting both spiritual and health equity for all.