Funding for the 14th Annual Awareness Campaign Made Possible by Subaru of America, Inc.’s Share the Love Event
Alexandria, VA, June 15, 2016 – Meals on Wheels America today announces that it has awarded $396,250 in grants to local Meals on Wheels programs for their participation in the 14th 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 Meals on Wheels America Members for their efforts to raise awareness and much-needed support for the critical service they provide their communities,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “Together, we can change the way this country cares for its seniors.”
This year’s grants were made possible through the generosity of Subaru of America, Inc. and its eighth annual Share the Love Event. During the event held from November 19, 2015 through January 2, 2016, $250 was donated to a customer’s choice of a national or hometown charity for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased. Meals on Wheels America has been a participating national charity since the event’s inception in 2008.
In total, Meals on Wheels America awarded grants to 265 local Meals on Wheels programs and one Meals on Wheels America-affiliated State Association based on their March for Meals efforts. Grand River Meals on Wheels is receiving the top award of $10,000 for its extensive awareness and fundraising activities in Rifle, Colorado.
“This year marked our 10th March for Meals celebration and our 40th year serving the seniors of New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute/Battlement Mesa, Colorado,” said Kaaren Peck, Director of Grand River Meals on Wheels. “Thank you to Meals on Wheels America for making this level of success achievable for even the smallest and most rural of Meals on Wheels programs. This support will help us enable independence for some of the most vulnerable, yet remarkable, members of our community: our seniors!”
Find a full list of 2016 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.
Contact:
Jenny Bertolette
Meals on Wheels America
571-339-1603
jenny@mealsonwheelsamerica.org