Celebrating Community Champions Week for Meals on Wheels Network to Foster Nationwide Support

Community Champions Week Kicks Off

Meals on Wheels America has officially launched Community Champions Week, running from March 17 to March 21, 2025. This week-long celebration invites prominent figures, including Members of Congress, state officials, and community influencers, to engage with local Meals on Wheels providers. Participants will experience the profound impact of this essential service firsthand through visits and ride-alongs with dedicated volunteers.

This annual event commemorates the anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program, which was established on March 22, 1972. This program laid the groundwork for the Meals on Wheels network, which currently serves over 2 million seniors across the nation. The OAA remains a vital source of federal funding, crucial to the success of programs that combat senior hunger and isolation.

The Vision: End the Wait Initiative

During Community Champions Week, Meals on Wheels America aims to garner support for the ambitious 'End the Wait' plan. This initiative seeks to address the widespread issue of waiting lists, as many local providers struggle to meet the ever-growing demand for their services. Ellie Hollander, the President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, noting that despite their best efforts, local organizations face significant challenges due to inadequate federal funding. In many cases, funds have not kept pace with the increasing costs associated with delivering essential services to seniors.

"Local providers are fighting a battle against a mounting need, and many are forced to operate with limited resources," Hollander states. She calls on citizens to make the needs of older Americans a top priority and encourages everyone to rally support for the network that has been a lifeline for thousands.

Urgency of Action

Currently, one in three Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist, indicating a substantial gap between need and service. With crucial decisions regarding federal budget allocations being made, it is imperative for Congress to protect and enhance the funding dedicated to the OAA Nutrition Program. Meals on Wheels America has been a beacon of hope for older adults, and those in power need to ensure that their well-being doesn't fall by the wayside.

Older Americans have depended on the community's support throughout the pandemic and beyond, and now is the time to speak out for their rights. Individuals are encouraged to contact their senators and representatives to advocate for increased funding and to find out how they can volunteer locally.

About Meals on Wheels America

For over five decades, Meals on Wheels America has provided a proven public-private partnership model, receiving bipartisan backing at all levels of government. The organization supports more than 5,000 community-based programs aimed at eradicating senior hunger and isolation. With a dedicated volunteer workforce, the network delivers innovative solutions that promote health and independence through nutritious meals, social engagement, and vital services tailor-made to individual needs.

Through relentless advocacy, education, and resources, Meals on Wheels America empowers local programs to strengthen their communities, enriching the lives of seniors one meal at a time. For further details or to locate a Meals on Wheels provider in your vicinity, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.