The Active Aging Resource Center (AARC) recently announced their participation in the 19th annual March for Meals.
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This national month-long celebration will recognize Meals on Wheels and the people who rely on their services. The AARC will participate in multiple activities throughout the month, such as the acknowledgment of Meal Champions who sponsor meals and can collections for Daviess County.
The annual March for Meals celebration honors the day in 1972 President Nixon signed an amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a nutrition program for citizens 60 years and older throughout the nation.
The Daviess County AARC serves Meals on Wheels to Altamont, Gallatin, Jameson, Jamesport, Lake Viking, and Winston. Most of AARC’s funding comes from fundraisers, memorials, and donations from the county’s community.
According to the administrator of the AARC Deanna Lewis, AARC’s services are needed more this year than in previous years.
“In the last year, we have experienced a 20% increase in the demand for our services in Daviess County,” said Lewis. “We have been in awe of the outpouring of support, and there’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline can benefit from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”
President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America Ellie Hollander stated the importance of these services in our country’s current situation.
“The pandemic has introduced many of us to the newfound and harsh realities of food insecurity and social isolation – something that far too many seniors experience as their daily norm. More than ever, we must rally around our essential community-based programs that serve as lifelines to a growing number of people in need, to enable their own long-term vitality,” said Hollander. “Even when we make it through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history, there will still be millions of vulnerable older adults who will rely on that familiar knock on the door that provides peace of mind and hope beyond the meal itself. Please join us in celebrating the power and importance of Meals on Wheels this March and always.”