TVCCA ‘Mayors for Meals Day’ Set for March 21

Talk about walking the walk.

These mayors and first selectmen don’t just say they support Meals on Wheels in their towns, they’ll be delivering those meals next week.

The Thames Valley Council for Community Action Senior Nutrition Program is holding "Mayors For Meals Day" as a part of its March For Meals campaign. City and town officials from across the region will be participating to “show their support for our community’s homebound and hungry seniors,” according to a press release issued by TVCCA.

The March 21 event will have officials assisting in daily delivery of hot nutritious meals to the homebound. 

Local participating officials include:

• Montville Mayor Ron McDaniel
• City of Groton Mayor Marion Galbraith
• Town of Groton Mayor Heather Somers
• Ledyard Mayor John Rodolico
• Stonington First Selectman Edward Haberek

“We are excited about having city and town officials participate in our ‘Mayors for Meals Day’ event,” Tim Grills, TVCCA Director of Nutrition Services, said. “We believe our city and town officials are a unique platform from which to help us raise awareness. They are a recognizable and strong voice in our communities.”

March For Meals is a national campaign during the month of March, initiated by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), which seeks to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community.

This year, Meals On Wheels programs across the country are also celebrating the 41st Anniversary of the inclusion of Senior Nutrition Programs in the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA is the primary piece of federal legislation that authorizes and supports vital nutrition services, both congregate and Meals On Wheels, to Americans age 60 and older.

TVCCA’s Senior Nutrition Program has been delivering nutritious meals to homebound seniors in New London County for 40 years. TVCCA staff work with seniors participating in the program to strengthen their overall nutrition goals.  Meals provided through the program are certified by a registered dietitian and meet 1/3 of the federal Recommended Daily Allowances and are offered for a donation to the program and not for a fee.

With the assistance of 55 employees and over 340 volunteers, the program delivers to around 900 homebound participants and serve 500 café participants daily.  But meals are just part of the service. It also provides a daily check in with the participants, which gives them and their caregivers the piece of mind.

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the only national association and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. MOWAA is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. MOWAA’s vision is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.