CoA Celebrates March for Meals Month and Thanks Community Champions for Their Participation

This year Meals on Wheels of America launched the #SaveLunch campaign before the annual March for Meals program. #SaveLunch focused on communicating the need to address senior hunger and continue funding at the state and federal level.

In participation with the #SaveLunch campaign and March for Meals, Council on Aging, Gladwin County (CoA) asked their congregate meal participants and home delivered meal clients: “What does our meal programs mean to you?” And asked them to write down their response on paper plates to send out to their local members of congress.

The responses were heartfelt and direct, such as:

“Scrumptious! Smiley faces! On time! Tastes good too! Great Chefs!”

“I am 93 years old. Meals on Wheels allows me to continue living at home while eating healthy food while looking out the window at nature. The friendly people who deliver the food are a high lite of the day. I have been lucky to have this service for many years.”

“Good food & nutritious – more than a meal – senior lunches provide food & friendship – employees are friendly & we’re thankful for our health. Thank you! Your community partnership has helped a lot of people in a tremendous way!”

On February 23, 2024 the Council on Aging shipped out stacks of paper plates to Senators: Debbie Stabenow, Gary Peters, and Representative John Moolenaar, requesting that these public servants speak up for the seniors to continue funding for senior programs.

The CoA did receive a response from Senator Stabenow. She states her continued support of senior programs.

“I have always supported the Older American’s Act, which funds essential nutrition and social services for seniors, and I voted to increase funding for these programs.” Stabenow wrote.

With this support coming at the beginning of March, it helped the CoA staff gear up for the annual March for Meals campaign to continue to raise awareness of senior hunger in our community.

This year that had 6 Community Champions join them the week of March 18th for Community Champions week.

Gladwin City Mayor, Sarah Kile helped serve the congregate seniors at Antler Arms on March 20th with Gladwin County Sheriff doing the same at Beaverton Manor. While the Mayor and Sheriff were helping serve meals, Gladwin City Housing Commission Board member, Ann Roehrs helped deliver meals with meal driver, Jacob Allison out of Maple Manor.

On March 21st, the CoA staff was joined by Emmah Coker of Congressman John Molenaar’s office and County Commissioner Karen Moore to help serve meals at the Antler Arms dining center.

The following week, Veteran Affairs Office Director Ken Roberts joined Allison as well to help deliver meals.

The CoA staff wants to thank all those who joined them again, or for the first time.

“It is so nice to get people from our community to join us and see how our programs are run,” said CoA Program Director, Anna McNeill. “It is an eye opening experience.”

If you would like to learn more about the CoA and their meal programs, you can find out more on their website: gladwincoa.org or call their office at: 989-426-5450.