For an organization that is now a widely known household name, Meals on Wheels came from humble beginnings. The first known Meals on Wheels delivery was orchestrated in 1954 by a small group of Philadelphia residents. Since then, the program has expanded dramatically. Now, Meals on Wheels delivers 221 million meals to 2.4 million seniors each year.
March for Meals
March is a special month for Meals on Wheels. In March of 1972, President Nixon signed an amendment to the Older Americans Act, thereby implementing a national nutrition program for seniors over the age of 60. The result was crucial federal funding for Meals on Wheels, which to this day allows the program to carry out its vital work. Each year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country come together to celebrate March for Meals, the name given to the anniversary of this historic event.
March for Meals Turns 50
The 2022 March for Meals campaign marks the 50-year anniversary of the amendment that allows Meals on Wheels to continue to fulfill its mission: serving and empowering seniors to live happy, healthy, independent lives. In addition to delivering nutritious food to the seniors who might otherwise struggle with food insecurity, Meals on Wheels provides important social interaction to its recipients.
Support Meals on Wheels by Supporting Spectrum Community Services
This year, Spectrum Community Services is celebrating March for Meals with our Twilight Tasting fundraising event, a benefit conducted in partnership with Page Mill Winery. The proceeds of the event will go toward supporting low-income families and seniors in our target area. Help us in our goal of reducing food insecurity in Alameda County!
Spectrum Community Services is committed to improving the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals in Alameda County. Through financial assistance and other services, our goal is to support community members in building healthy, safe, and independent lives. Visit our website for more information on our senior meals program or to download a copy of our utility assistance application.