Meals on Wheels of Mercer County announced March 1 that it will be participating in the 21st annual March for Meals — a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels and our elder neighbors who rely on this essential service to remain healthy and independent at home, now even more so amid a lingering pandemic and high inflation. Meals on Wheels of Mercer County’s celebration will include prominent VIPS delivering meals throughout the County, and partnering with several local restaurants for special events (detailed information is available on our website, www.mealsonwheelsmercer.org).
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“Meals on Wheels of Mercer County has been a direct beneficiary of the Older Americans Act Legislation for many years," said Sasa Olessi Montaño, CEO of Meals on Wheels of Mercer County. “The funding for feeding and services earmarked for an elder population is crucial in assuring that none of our elders fall through the cracks at a time when they need the most support. We are grateful that our community supports the population we serve and recognize our efforts to support their desire to remain independent and healthy in their homes.”
The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This critical support and federal funding has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network for more than 50 years.
During the month, community-based Meals on Wheels programs from across the country will join forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the resources needed to reach every senior in need of a nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check.
“March is an important time for us to come together to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “The demand for services is already great and approximately 12,000 Americans are turning 60 every day. We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the nationwide Meals on Wheels movement going.”
For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in Mercer County this March, visit www.mealsonwheelsmercer.org.
