Meals On Wheels, Etc. Joins In Special Month-Long March For Meals Celebration Commemorating The 50th Anniversary Of The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program

Sanford, FL March 1, 2022 – Meals on Wheels, Etc. announced today that it will be participating in a special March for Meals celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that helps to fund community-based programs like Meals on Wheels. Throughout the month of March, [Meals on Wheels, Etc.] will join the national Meals on Wheels network to raise awareness and rally support for this vital public-private partnership that has helped provide the seniors in [Seminole County] with an essential service needed to remain healthy and independent at home.

“50 years later and the Older Americans Act is more relevant than ever. Age 85+ is the fastest growing population segment in Seminole County. Many of these seniors are low income, socially isolated, and at risk for malnutrition or premature nursing home placement.” – Mike McKee, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels, Etc.

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 year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces for the awareness campaign to celebrate 50 years of success and garner the support needed to ensure these critical programs can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence, and improve health for years to come.

“The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program is the only federally supported program designed to be an antidote for both senior hunger and isolation,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Despite decades of proven success and bipartisan support, funding for this program has failed to keep pace with the rapidly growing need for its services. With the nation’s senior population increasing dramatically, now is the time to support local Meals on Wheels programs – through volunteering, donating and speaking out – to ensure we are able to deliver for another 50 years.”

Meals on Wheels, Etc.s’ celebration will include various activities throughout the month of March, including:

• March for Meals Virtual Walk – Saturday, March 12th
• A Night Out with Meals on Wheels, Etc. – Thursday, March 24th
• Saturday Meal Delivery – We Need Volunteers – Saturday, March 26th

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in Seminole County this March, visit www.mealsetc.org or contact our office at info@mealsetc.org or (407) 333-8877.

About Meals on Wheels, Etc.

Meals on Wheels, Etc. began providing Home-Delivered Meals and Transportation Services in 1973 to seniors of Seminole County. Since that time, we have added additional services which help meet the growing needs of vulnerable seniors in our area. We offer a number of vital programs such as Neighborhood Dining, Homemaking, Chores and Home Weatherization that help the elderly remain in their own homes so they can continue to live their lives with as much independence as possible. Since then, the elder population of Seminole County has dramatically increased each year. Meals on Wheels has responded with an umbrella of services to support this growth.