Bringing Awareness to Senior Hunger for Annual March for Meals Month
Programs like Meals on Wheels help older adults maintain their health and independence, thereby preventing unnecessary falls and hospitalizations.
Alexandria, VA – Meals on Wheels America established the March for Meals campaign in 2002 to recognize the Older American Act Nutrition Programs for both congregate and home-delivered meals and to raise awareness about the escalating problem of senior hunger in the United States. This program was created as part of the Older Americans Act of 1965, signed into law by President Richard Nixon.
During the month of March, Senior Services of Alexandria, in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services, will reach out to our community to bring awareness of senior hunger through volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels or supporting local senior centers and programs that support older adults. Programs like Meals on Wheels help older adults maintain their health and independence, thereby preventing unnecessary falls and hospitalizations. They also help combat negative health effects and economic consequences of loneliness and isolation.
Champions Week will be March 16 – 21, when community leaders, government officials, and local businesses and organizations will deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors and get a firsthand look at how important Meals on Wheels are to our senior neighbors.
If you are interested in learning more about Meals on Wheels and senior hunger go to mowaa.org. To volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels or Groceries to Go (another Senior Services senior nutrition program), go to seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414.
MaryAnne Beatty is the Director of Communications for Senior Services of Alexandria.
