JOIN US FOR THE 2024 MARCH FOR MEALS

For more than 20 years, the Meals on Wheels network has claimed the month of March as its time to join forces to strengthen the impact of its efforts and rally communities around what you all do.

During March for Meals, you’ve collectively raised millions of dollars in support of your local programs and recruited tens of thousands of volunteers, champions and lifetime supporters. Your hard work and dedication have created this success, and Meals on Wheels America is once again providing all the tools and resources needed to plan your 2023 celebration.

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WHY THE MONTH OF MARCH?

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day on March 22, 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 year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces for the awareness campaign to 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.

Programs from across the country have celebrated the month of March since 2002 to increase awareness for Meals on Wheels and recruit the support needed to meet rising demand.

WHAT'S INVOLVED? 

It’s more important than ever to celebrate the power and importance of Meals on Wheels amid a lingering pandemic, historic inflation and other challenges. March for Meals has a been a true grassroots movement as local programs leverage the commemorative month in ways that serve them best. Traditionally, a local March for Meals campaign typically consists of:

• Fundraising Activities – independent or in partnership with local businesses
• Volunteer Drives – with the public and in partnership with local organizations
• Community Champions Activities – public appearances, meal preparation and/or meal deliveries by federal, state and local elected officials, local celebrities, business leaders and the media
• Community Outreach – communications with supporters and publicity efforts with local media 

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS WEEK (MARCH 18-22, 2024)

During the week of March 18-22, we encourage programs to invite local, state and federal officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures to safely deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels.

This special week within March for Meals provides a wonderful opportunity to engage powerful figures in your community, garner media attention and helps raise public awareness for the nutritional and social needs of seniors.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

• Delivering or preparing meals
• Declaring March a month to honor Meals on Wheels through a public proclamation
• Speaking out on social media