International Paper Awards Grant to Heritage Area Agency on Aging
Tim Getty (left) and Barbara Werning (center) of Heritage AAA pose for a photo with Dyanna Davidson (right) of International Paper. The photo was taken at International Paper’s 2023 Grant Recipient Reception earlier this month.
The International Paper Foundation has awarded a $3,500 grant to Heritage Area Agency on Aging to support its Encore Express program at the First Avenue location. This grant is just one example of International Paper’s commitment to the company’s signature causes, which include education, hunger, health and wellness, disaster relief and initiatives that improve our planet. The company is committed to addressing critical community needs where our employees live and work.
This funding will help Heritage Area Agency on Aging’s Encore Express program in downtown Cedar Rapids. The program supplies older adults with a monthly set of vouchers redeemable for meals at two local Hy-Vee stores, helping alleviate food costs and providing quality nutrition. As supplies allow, Encore Express also hosts food distribution events featuring bread, meat, canned foods and more.
Encore Express has been particularly effective in reaching the seniors who need assistance most, with more than 70% of participants considered to be at high nutritional risk before enrolling and more than 60% considered low income.
“The need for services like Encore Express has grown tremendously and we’re proud to have met that need, but with that there are some growing pains,” said Barbara Werning, Executive Director at Heritage AAA. “This support from International Paper ensures that seniors in Cedar Rapids won’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or how they’ll afford it.”
“At International Paper, we believe our company cannot succeed if our communities do not succeed,” said Megan Shook, communications specialist, Cedar River Mill. “We are proud to support Heritage Area Agency on Aging as they provide access to nutrition to underserved areas in the Greater Cedar Rapids area.”
About the International Paper Foundation
The International Paper Foundation is one of the ways International Paper strives to reach our vision to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world. Started in 1952, the Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the communities where our employees live and work. Funding priority is given to programs related to our signature causes: education, hunger, health & wellness, disaster relief and initiatives that improve our planet. Together, International Paper Company and the International Paper Foundation have donated more than $192.5 million to charitable organizations since 2010. For more information, visit www.internationalpaper.com/giving
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting www.internationalpaper.com