MAS celebrates March for Meals 50th Anniversary

Missoula Aging Services (MAS) announced that it will be participating in a special March for Meals celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that helps to fund community-based programs like Meals on Wheels. Throughout the month of March, MAS will join the national Meals on Wheels network to raise awareness and rally support for this vital public-private partnership that has helped provide the seniors in Missoula County, including rural communities like Seeley-Swan, with an essential service needed to remain healthy and independent at home.

"Every March, Missoula Aging Services brings the community together to highlight the importance of Meals on Wheels for our older neighbors. We have experienced an unprecedented 66% increase in demand for Meals on Wheels service since the start of the pandemic in Missoula County," said Susan Kohler, CEO of MAS. "If it weren't for the generous support from the community, we wouldn't be able to keep pace with this level of demand. That's why this March for Meals, we are asking for your help to make sure older adults and anyone meeting the program requirements, regardless of age in Missoula County, stay safe and nourished."

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces for the awareness campaign to celebrate 50 years of success and garner the support needed to ensure these critical programs can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence and improve health for years to come.

"The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program is the only federally supported program designed to be an antidote for both senior hunger and isolation," said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. "Despite decades of proven success and bipartisan support, funding for this program has failed to keep pace with the rapidly growing need for its services. With the nation's senior population increasing dramatically, now is the time to support local Meals on Wheels programs – through volunteering, donating and speaking out – to ensure we are able to deliver for another 50 years."

During the pandemic, Meals on Wheels became especially important for older adults in Seeley Lake. Last year, MOW clients in Seeley Lake more than doubled from approximately eight to 18, and are homebound for a variety of reasons. Some have just returned home from a stay in the hospital and are recovering from surgery. Some are recovering from COVID-19. Many are no longer able to drive, grocery shop or cook at this time in their lives and the single meal delivered may suffice as both lunch and dinner. Better days are on the horizon, yet Meals on Wheels continues to be a lifeline for the most vulnerable in the Seeley Lake community.

If you or a loved one is interested in signing up or being a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels in the Seeley-Swan Valley, call the Sela Senci Senior Center in Seeley Lake at 406-677-2008.

 

Reader Comments(0)