COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS HELP RAISE AWARENESS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS AND THE NEEDS OF SENIORS ACROSS GRAND CAYMAN

During the month of March, the community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the island joined forces with the international affiliates for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate the successful public-private partnership and garner the resources needed to reach every senior in need of a nutritious meal, friendly visit, and safety check. 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 critical support and federal funding have fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network for more than 50 years.

“In the last year we have experienced a 40% increase in the number of daily meals served” said Meals on Wheels General Manager, Jennifer West states “We know all too well the challenges that are facing our seniors daily, for those that we see each day, we offer some relief in the form of a wellness check, hot meal, and warm smile. Sadly, there are more seniors to feed and more needs to be met. We applaud all of our 2023 Community Champions and donors who are stepping up to ensure that all of our seniors in need can benefit from well-nourished meals and be more connected with your community”

Meals on Wheels currently operates 4 community kitchens that serve over 330 seniors across all 5 districts each weekday. Meals are provided free of charge to seniors in need thanks for the generosity of churches, companies, schools, service clubs, individuals, and a CIG Government Grant.

On Monday March 20th, Meals on Wheels launched its Community Champions Weeks which saw community leaders and public figures including Hon. Mr. Andre Ebanks, Minister of Social Development; Hon. Minister Kenneth Bryan; 2022 Miss World Cayman Islands, Leeani Tibbetts, 2022 Miss Cayman Islands Universe, Chloe Doxey; Board Directors from R3 Foundation; Mangers and Staff of Water Authority, Maples Group, Stepping Stones Recruitment, Paradigm Governance and, Logic, in celebration of the 2023 March for Meals Community Champions Week. Across the world this week, Meals on Wheels programs have enlisted elected officials, local celebrities, and other prominent figures to deliver meals safely, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels.

The annual March for Meals commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This March, Meals on Wheels programs from across the world are joining forces to celebrate more than 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.

“We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this unprecedented time in our world’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the worldwide Meals on Wheels movement going” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.

For more information on how you can volunteer, donate, contribute, or speak out for the seniors this March and always, visit www.mealsonwheels.ky , email info@mealsonwheels.ky  or call 769-1974.