“March For Meals” Raises Awareness Of Hunger, The Elderly

Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program announced its support and participation in the 16th annual March for Meals – the month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels and the homebound and vulnerable seniors who rely on this vital safety net.

“The services that we provide the seniors of Louisville are critical and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Faith Aeilts, program manager for the city’s Senior Nutrition Program, part of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.  “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

The Senior Nutrition Program works year-round to help seniors stay healthy by providing hot, nutritious meals. Through the Meals on Wheels program, hundreds of volunteers helped deliver over 100,000 hot noontime meals last year to qualified individuals. Another 90,000 meals were served to active seniors at more than 20 congregate meal sites, which offer seniors an opportunity for a nutritious lunch, socialization and activities.

“This March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs will rally their communities to build the support that will enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to America’s most at-risk seniors all year long,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “With the demand for Meals on Wheels increasing along with our country’s senior population, we need to ensure that seniors are not forgotten.”

To spotlight important services provided by the Senior Nutrition Program and to help recruit volunteers, Mayor Greg Fischer, six Louisville Metro Council members and other local leaders will help deliver meals to homebound seniors during March.  This Week, March 19 – 23, the following individuals will deliver meals:  Council Members Jessica Green (District 1), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), Brandon Coan (District 8), Bill Hollander (District 9), Pat Mulvihill (District 10), and Vicki Aubrey Welch (District 13) along with Becky Peak, Mayor of the City of Plantation.

Mayor Fischer will deliver meals on March 22 in the Buechel area. Resilience and Community Services Director Gena Redmon and Chief Resilience Officer Eric Friedlander will also be participating this month as well.

The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities, including packaging and serving meals at one of the congregate sites, and delivering meals to homebound clients.  For more information about volunteering, call (502) 574-6420.  Volunteer drivers are especially needed for routes in the west and south ends of Louisville.  To make a financial donation to Meals on Wheels, click here for Louisville Metro’s secure on-line donation form.

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals.  Seniors who would like to receive Meals on Wheels can call (502) 574-6325 to begin the qualification process.  The senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, can be found by calling the same number above or by visiting https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/senior-nutrition-program. Sites require a one-day advanced reservation.