Program Encourages all of Ellis County to help End Senior Hunger by 2020

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties announced today that it will be participating in the national 2010 “March For Meals” campaign beginning March 1. Meals-on-Wheels is holding several events during the month to celebrate “March For Meals.” In addition to an ongoing, county-wide publicity campaign throughout the month, Meals-on-Wheels will be hosting a volunteer reception on Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 pm, at the Holiday Inn in Waxahachie, and then, hosting local mayors and elected officials on Wednesday, March 24, where each will be delivering in their respective communities.

To end the month-long celebration, Meals-on-Wheels will have an evening of swing dancing, dinner, and much more at their annual benefit, “Remember When…a Fabulous Forties’ Fling.” The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 at the National Guard Armory in Waxahachie, beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $75 each, or tables for $1,000. Sponsorships are also available at varying levels.

“We are excited about our upcoming benefit in celebrating those we serve—the ‘greatest generation.’ ‘March for Meals’ is really all about our clients, and how we can help them,” said Amy Jackson, director of development. “Our goal is to recruit as many people in each community to become involved with Meals-on-Wheels,” she added.

“March For Meals” is a national campaign, initiated and sponsored by Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties, promote “March For Meals” in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives.

A major aspect of the 2010 “March For Meals” campaign is for Americans to team up with their local Meals On Wheels program and take the Pledge to end senior hunger in America by 2020. This national movement comes at a good time, as recent MOWAA research studies have revealed that the problem of senior hunger in America is indeed growing worse. In fact, Texas is ranked number four in the nation for elderly “food insecurity.” Currently, one in nine seniors is at risk of hunger in the United States.

Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information about the “March For Meals” events or about Meals-on-Wheels services, please contact Meals-on-Wheels at 972-351-9943 or www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org. For more information on the 2010 “March For Meals” campaign please contact Meals on Wheels Association of America at www.mowaa.org.