SALISBURY — MAC Incorporated, the Area Agency on Aging, is the recipient of a $40,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation. The funds will be used to further MAC’s mission of preserving dignity and promoting optimal health and independence of older adults.

The grant, which was given to the nonprofit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program, specifically will be used to increase MAC’s Meals on Wheels services, both in the number of frail homebound elderly on the Lower Eastern Shore served, and in the number of meals delivered.

Meals on Wheels driver Will Dashield and the meal delivery are a welcome sight to this 91-year-old woman.

“Older persons suffering from food insecurity and hunger experience more difficulties in performing daily living activities, and have an increased incidence of illness, hospital admission and nursing home placement,” according to Margaret A. “Peggy” Bradford, MAC executive director.

“Through this generous grant from the Walmart Foundation, MAC will be able to increase the number of healthy meals delivered each week to the most needy seniors in four rural counties, Bradford added. “The home-delivered meals provide health, security and independence as these isolated and rural seniors stay well living at home.”

“The Walmart Foundation is proud to support MAC Incorporated’s Meals on Wheels program and work together to improve the health and wellness of older adults on the Lower Eastern Shore,” said Erik Hingst, Director of Public Affairs & Government Relations for Walmart. “Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to expanding resources which will strengthen our communities and help our neighbors live better.”

MAC Incorporated, founded in 1972, is the designated Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Center for Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties, on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. MAC’s mission is to preserve dignity and promote optimal health and independence of older adults through services and education.

The contribution to MAC Incorporated was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Washington, DC/Maryland State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

— Cindy Robinson is director of Outreach, Communications & Donation Relations with MAC Inc.