Here at the Council on Aging for Henderson County, are deeply committed to ensuring that our elderly neighbors receive not only essential nutrition but also vital social connections and support. Our partnership with Meals on Wheels has been instrumental in fulfilling this mission, and the annual March for Meals campaign stands as a beacon of solidarity, advocacy, and action for seniors across the nation.

Celebrating a Legacy of Care: March for Meals

March for Meals is not merely a campaign; it is a testament to the unwavering dedication of communities coming together to support their elderly population. Each year, throughout the month of March, Meals on Wheels programs and their partners nationwide unite to raise awareness, rally support, and celebrate the impactful work being done to combat senior hunger and isolation.

At the Council on Aging for Henderson County, we view March for Meals as an opportunity to amplify our efforts in serving seniors and advocating for their needs. It serves as a platform to highlight the indispensable role of Meals on Wheels in delivering nutritious meals to homebound seniors while also providing invaluable companionship and wellness checks.

This campaign arrives at a pressing time for Henderson County’s Meals on Wheels service. Demand continues to exceed available financial resources. This issue is magnified by the pending loss of COVID-related funds at the end of this fiscal year. In response, COAHC recently had to make the difficult decision to stop accepting clients beyond their current funding capacity, resulting in a waitlist of over 100 homebound seniors, with an average wait time of at least 6 months before receiving service. This means that there are dozens of seniors in our community who are unable to access the vital support they desperately need to age in place.

Addressing Hunger and Isolation: The Heart of Our Mission

For many seniors, daily interactions with our volunteers who deliver meals through Meals on Wheels may be their only point of contact with the outside world. Beyond the nourishment provided by a warm meal, these visits offer a lifeline of companionship, conversation, and care. This human connection is at the core of what we do, and it’s what sets Meals on Wheels apart as more than just a meal delivery service.

Building Bridges, Fostering Community: Mobilizing Support

The success of March for Meals hinges on the collective action and support of individuals, businesses, and organizations within our community. Whether it’s volunteering to deliver meals, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about our cause, every contribution plays a vital role in advancing our mission of providing and coordinating services that connect, engage and support adults in our area as we age.