Alexandria, VA, June 3, 2015 – Meals on Wheels America today announces that it has awarded $370,250 in grants to local Meals on Wheels programs for their participation in the 13th Annual March for Meals. The annual awareness and fundraising campaign is an effort led by Meals on Wheels America, the oldest and largest national organization supporting community-based programs dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation, to present opportunities for volunteers, businesses and governments to support seniors in a variety of ways that make communities stronger, safer and healthier.

“The March for Meals grant program is our way of recognizing local programs for bolstering the dynamic and effective partnership between Meals on Wheels and the businesses, organizations, governments and volunteers who provide critical support within their communities,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “In addition to mobilizing nearly 400 local Meals on Wheels celebrations across the country, we commemorated the month by releasing the findings of a groundbreaking research study proving that Meals on Wheels delivers so much more than just a meal.”

This year’s grants were made possible by the generosity of Subaru of America, Inc. and its seventh annual “Share the Love” event. During the event, Subaru donated $250 to the customer’s choice of participating charities for every new vehicle purchased or leased. In total, Meals on Wheels America awarded grants to 258 local Meals on Wheels programs and two Meals on Wheels America-affiliated State Associations based on their March for Meals efforts. Minuteman Senior Services is receiving the top award of $10,000 for its extensive awareness and fundraising activities in Bedford, MA. 

“We have participated in March for Meals since the very first campaign and it has become a labor of love,” said Minuteman Senior Services Executive Director Joan Butler. “Meals on Wheels is often the first service a person is willing to accept in their home, and opens the door to other supports that help keep people independent. We are grateful to Meals on Wheels America for this award, which helps fill the gaps left by limited public funding for this valuable program.”

Find a full list of 2015 March for Meals grantees here.

About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.