HALLOWELL — Spectrum Generations recently received a $1,250 grant from Meals on Wheels America for its participation in the 13th annual March for Meals campaign. This year’s grant to the Muskie Center in Waterville and the Cohen Center in Hallowell was made possible through the generosity of Subaru of America Inc. and its seventh annual Share the Love event, according to a news release from Spectrum Generations. During the event, Subaru donated $250 to the owner’s choice of participating charities for every new vehicle purchased or leased.
Throughout the month of March, each community center worked together to raise awareness and money and recruit volunteers; paper plates signed with a “love” note by homebound seniors were displayed in the lobby, area town officials were invited to help prepare and deliver the meals along with showing their support for the program by signing the proclamation to “End Senior Hunger,” according to the release. In total, $370,250 is being granted to 258 local Meals on Wheels programs and two Meals on Wheels America-affiliated state associations based on its March for Meals efforts. The money Spectrum Generations received will help feed deserving seniors and disabled adults, which is essential now with the wait list it has had to reinstate because of continued decreased funding.
“We have a win-win situation. Thanks to Meals on Wheels of America and Subaru, 208 nutritious meals will be delivered to our homebound friends in this community. With the help of the town officials and local press, we were able to raise awareness of the Meals on Wheels program which is key to helping our frail seniors and disabled adults stay in their own home, where they want to be,” said Lynda Johnson, nutrition coordinator at the Cohen Center, in the release.
“The March for Meals grant program is our way of recognizing local programs for bolstering the dynamic and effective partnership between Meals on Wheels and the businesses, organizations, governments and volunteers who provide critical support within their communities,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “In addition to mobilizing nearly 400 local Meals on Wheels celebrations across the country, we commemorated the month by releasing the findings of a groundbreaking research study proving that Meals on Wheels delivers so much more than just a meal.”
The annual March for Meals campaign is an effort led by Meals on Wheels America to present opportunities for volunteers, businesses and governments to support seniors in a variety of ways that make communities stronger, safer and healthier. For more information, visit marchformeals.com.
For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
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