International Paper Awards Grant to Heritage AAA

Staff from International Paper and Heritage AAA pose for a photo at St. Paul’s UMC in downtown Cedar Rapids, where vouchers for Encore Express are distributed to seniors. From left to right: Dyanna Davidson (IP), Denise Babcock (Heritage AAA), Derek Depuydt (IP), Tim Getty (Heritage AAA) and Megan Shook (IP).

The International Paper Foundation has awarded a $3,500 grant to Heritage Area Agency on Aging to provide access to nutritious meals to underserved seniors. 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 its employees live and work.

This funding will help Heritage Area Agency on Aging’s Encore Express program in 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.

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. Since launching about a year ago, the program has grown from serving about 50 meals a month to more than 500.

“The need for services like Encore Express has grown tremendously this past year and we’re proud to have met that need, but with that we’ve felt some growing pains,” said Barbara Werning, Executive Director at Heritage AAA. “This support from International Paper helps ensure that seniors in Cedar Rapids won’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or how they’ll afford it. It opens other doors for them, too, as they connect with Heritage programs to maximize their independence.”

“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 continue to support our community.”   

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 $188 million to charitable organizations since 2010. For more information, visit ipgiving.com.

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.