March for Meals Campaign - So No Senior Goes Hungry...

In March 2002, the 30th anniversary of the inclusion of senior meal programs in the Older Americans Act was celebrated across America. This milestone signified the federal government's support of senior nutrition programs. The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) chose the month of March to highlight the success and importance of senior nutrition programs by creating a nationwide public awareness campaign called March for Meals. March for Meals calls attention to local senior meal programs throughout the United States. It highlights the continuing importance of meal programs and the growing need for resources—both financial and human—as the senior population increases and more Americans need community-based nutrition services.

What are the goals of the national March for Meals campaign?
There are three goals to:

1. Raise public awareness about senior meal programs and their needs;
2. Raise funds to enable the provision of services locally to meet those needs; and
3. Recruit volunteers to assist in the delivery of services to a growing client population.

How Can Red Cross Chapters Help?
Since March is also Red Cross Month, March for Meals is a great opportunity for Red Cross chapters! You can help focus local and national attention on the importance of senior nutrition programs by including these programs in your activities. Generate public awareness about your chapter and recruit volunteers to provide nutritious meals to more seniors in need in your community. Participate in a national public awareness campaign and help your chapter too.

How do I participate in March for Meals?
Choose a day in March on which to hold an event or sponsor an activity. Once you have determined that date and the nature of your event, you can begin to plan your activities. If you're a member of MOWAA, you should have received a special promotional kit to help in your efforts. The kit contains:

• Television PSA;
• Posters for the 2003 campaign; and
• Wrappers to place on collection canisters.

Will MOWAA provide funding for March for Meals efforts?
MOWAA will be awarding grants to those programs that are most successful in getting the message out through the media. For further details, log onto the March for Meals Web site at http://www.marchformeals.org/.

Why is Red Cross Involved with MOWAA and March for Meals?
As you may know, the American Red Cross has reaffirmed its commitment to Community Services, which includes Food and Nutritional Services such as Meals on Wheels, Food Banks and Senior Meals Sites. In January 2000, the Community Services unit was formed at national headquarters to work closely with chapters to promote, enhance and expand Community Services activities including Food and Nutritional Services.

The March for Meals campaign is an excellent opportunity to expand senior nutrition programs, build relationships with MOWAA and observe Red Cross Month. The March for Meals campaign will be conducted on a national, state and local level. But it will only benefit your program if you take action to get involved!

Start planning now by selecting a date and type of event as your program's March for Meals activity. Together the American Red Cross and MOWAA can continue to save more lives and build healthier communities.

March for Meals
Meals on Wheels Association of America

For more information about programs offered in your community, contact your local American Red Cross.