MONTH-LONG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE THE VITAL SAFETY NET AND INCREASE SUPPORT FOR AMERICA’S SENIORS

Arlington, VA, March 1, 2017 – Today marks the beginning of the 15^th Annual March for Meals – a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels designed to rally communities nationwide around the vulnerable seniors who rely on its vital safety net to remain healthier and independent in their own homes. This annual awareness and action campaign is led each year by Meals on Wheels America.

“March is a time for us all to rally around Meals on Wheels,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Our ability to meet the needs of vulnerable seniors lies in the willingness and generosity of businesses, government and concerned individuals of all ages to contribute in their own way. It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”

Meals on Wheels America created the March for Meals as a way to commemorate the month in 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Since 2002, the March for Meals has grown into a full-scale awareness, fundraising and volunteer recruitment campaign involving and supporting the network of local Meals on Wheels programs.

This year’s national effort kicks off with a reception including congressional, philanthropic and corporate leaders on Wednesday, March 1 on Capitol Hill, designed to raise awareness for the vital public-private partnership that keeps America's seniors healthier at home and out of more costly healthcare settings. As the March for Meals commences in Washington, DC, nearly 300 local Meals on Wheels programs across the country will be engaging their communities to build the support to enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to seniors all year long.

The 2017 March for Meals is sponsored nationally by Caesars Foundation. For more information on how to volunteer, contribute or speak out for seniors across the country, visit www.marchformeals.com.

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.