Spectrum Community Services participated in the 21st annual March for Meals – a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels and our senior neighbors who rely on this essential service to remain healthy and independent at home, now even more so amid a lingering pandemic and high inflation. Spectrum’s celebration included various activities throughout the month of March, including receiving proclamations from various local municipalities.
“In the last year, we have experienced a continued increase in the demand for our services in Alameda County,” said Lara Calvert, Executive Director of Spectrum. “We have been in awe of the outpouring of support so far, and there’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline can benefit from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”
During the month, Spectrum invited elected officials, community partners and other important decision-makers to join us and see firsthand our successful public-private partnership and help garner the resources needed to reach every senior in need of a nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check.
We had some great visitors during Champions Week! Several of our congregate sites including the San Leandro Senior and Community Center, Josephine Lum Lodge (Hayward) Ruggieri Senior Center (Union City), and the Hayward Area Senior Center hosted several individuals including: Surlene Grant, Ed Hernandez, Mariellen Faria from the Eden Health District Board of Directors, Council Member Julie Roche from the City of Hayward, Sara Lamnin from the Hayward Area Recreation District Board of Directors, Mayor Juan Gonzalez, and Council Member Bryan Azevedo from the City of San Leandro, and Council Scott Sakakihara from the City of Union City. Meanwhile, we hosted Dublin City Councilmember Kashef Qaadri on a ride along for Meals on Wheels (home-delivered) in Dublin.
“March is an important time for us to come together to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “The demand for services is already great and approximately 12,000 Americans are turning 60 every day. We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the nationwide Meals on Wheels movement going.”