Catawba County, NC – Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services participated in the 17th annual March for Meals – a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels and our senior neighbors who rely on the vital service to remain healthy and independent at home. Senior Nutrition Services’ celebration includes an Online Auction (www.32auctions.com/CatawbaMOW2019) going through March 31, and meal deliveries by the Catawba County Manager and two Assistant County Managers.
The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Since 2002, community-based Meals on Wheels programs from across the country have joined forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the support needed to fill the gap between the seniors served and those still in need.
Catawba County Senior Nutrition programs serve over 500 seniors each operating day. Approximately, 40% of the seniors served are living at or below the poverty level and 47% live alone. Our programs help seniors facing challenges of hunger, isolation and poverty. Seniors Morning Out and Meals on Wheels are much more than a nutritious meal. These programs are a social connection and a safety check for seniors. Surveyed senior meal recipients report that Meals on Wheels helps them remain in their homes and that having meals delivered improves their mood.
Senior Nutrition Services was honored to have Catawba County Manager Mick Berry and Assistant County Managers Dewey Harris and Mary Furtado deliver meals this month. They were able to connect and engage with volunteers and meal recipients, showing their support for Catawba County Senior Nutrition programs. Their support helps raise awareness about nutrition program, our need for volunteers and our need for funds to continue to serve a growing senior population. For more information about Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services, call us at 828-695-5610.
