March is “March for Meals” Month

Posted on: 2013 03 04

It’s March for Meals Month and this month we will be focusing on this campaign and senior hunger.   In 2002, The Meals on Wheels Association of American created the campaign, March for Meals, as a way to highlight senior hunger.  The goal was to raise awareness by connecting local businesses and public officials with area senior nutrition programs.   I encourage you to find out about your local Meals on Wheels program during March.  Area Meals on Wheels programs are always looking for volunteers to deliver.  Donations are also always appreciated.   In my area, Chittenden County, Vermont, our largest Meals on Wheels program is run by CVAA.  Meals on Wheels provides a hot, nutritious meal to area seniors, 60 years or older, 5 days a week.  Are you on a special diet and worried Meals on Wheels might not be a good fit? Don’t worry; the program can usually make accommodations. CVAA asks for a suggested donation for the meal.   Here’s why it is SO important to pay attention to senior hunger:

• 1 in 7 seniors is threatened by hunger (www.mowaa.org).
• 50{12470e0fe01d1e6fcc7df4df95300bd13a27d9338be1c3cc41e39732a8d70917} of seniors admitted to hospital suffer from malnutrition severe enough to have caused their illness or to impede their recovery (www.cvaa.org).
• 85{12470e0fe01d1e6fcc7df4df95300bd13a27d9338be1c3cc41e39732a8d70917} of older Americans have chronic illnesses that could be helped by better nutrition (www.cvaa.org).

  Stay tuned next time when we focus more on senior hunger and highlight a fun day where local mayors deliver meals.