Catawba County, NC – Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services is participating in the 22nd 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 meal deliveries by local community leaders and a focus on the services available locally.
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 30% of the seniors served are living at or below the poverty level and 45% live alone. Our programs help seniors facing challenges of hunger, isolation and poverty. Seniors Morning Out is available at five locations throughout the county and is available to participants age 60 years and older. Seniors Morning Out and Meals on Wheels are much more than a nutritious meal. These programs provide a social connection and a safety check for seniors.
Senior Nutrition Services was honored to have several community leaders deliver meals this month: Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer, City of Conover Councilman Bruce Eckard and Social Services Director Karen Harrington. In addition, there are several community leaders who deliver meals on a regular basis including Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe, Maiden Police Chief Tracy Ledford, United Arts Council Executive Director Ingrid Keller, United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner, Catawba County Manager Mary Furtado, Catawba County Library Director Siobhan Loendorf, Catawba County Chief Financial Officer Mary Morrison and Catawba County Chief Information Officer Rick Pilato. Their support helps raise awareness about the nutrition programs that are available to seniors in Catawba County.
For more information about Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services, please call us at 828-695-5610.
Photo: Chief Baer delivers lunch to Mr. Cline.
