MEALS ON WHEELS OF LOVELAND AND BERTHOUD JOINS IN A SPECIAL MONTH-LONG “MARCH FOR MEALS” CELEBRATION COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT NUTRITION PROGRAM

Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud announced today that it will be participating in a special March for Meals celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that helps to fund community-based programs like Meals on Wheels. Throughout the month of March, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud will join the national Meals on Wheels network to raise awareness and rally support for this vital public-private partnership that has helped provide the older adults in Southern Larimer County with the essential services needed to remain healthy and independent at home.

“The OAA nutrition program is a key piece of the safety net Meals on Wheels provides for the older adults living in our community who are isolated, hungry, and/or food insecure. The funding covers a portion of the costs of each meal, allowing Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud to deliver meals to anyone who qualifies regardless of their ability to pay,” said Jeffrey Pomranka, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud. The organization served over 630 clients and delivered 69,718 meals in 2021.

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for individuals 60 years and older. This year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces for the awareness campaign to celebrate 50 years of success and 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.

“The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program is the only federally supported program designed to be an antidote for both senior hunger and isolation,” said Ellie Hollander, President, and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Despite decades of proven success and bipartisan support, funding for this program has failed to keep pace with the rapidly growing need for its services. With the nation’s older population increasing dramatically, now is the time to support local Meals on Wheels programs - through volunteering, donation, and speaking out -to ensure we are able to deliver for another 50 years.”

Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud’s celebration will include various activities throughout the month of March, including:

• Fun at the Flipside Event & Art Auction: Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 7:00 PM

  • Join us for an evening of spirited tasters, Meals on Wheels appetizers, UNLIMITED Flipside Gameplay, and an art auction benefiting our programs. 

  • Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased here: https://www.classy.org/campaign/c386799

• “TP Meals on Wheels” Supply Drive: March 14 - 25, 2022 

• A collection drive for paper products and pet supplies for Meals on Wheels clients. Join us in collecting these needed supplies:

  • Paper Towels

  • Toilet Paper

  • Small toiletries

  • Pet food

  • Pet supplies

Donations will be accepted at Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud - 437 N Garfield Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 during business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, M-F)

• Many Meals on Wheels clients often need help stocking and gathering paper supplies like paper towels, toilet paper, and small toiletries.

• Pets also play a very important role in the life of a homebound older adult, providing critical social connection and enhancing their physical and mental well-being. Enabling clients to care for and keep their pets is another way Meals on Wheels delivers More Than A Meal.

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for homebound individuals in our community this March, visit https://www.lovelandmealsonwheels.org/

About Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud:

Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud seeks to nourish and enrich the lives of homebound individuals with nutritious meals and daily contact by caring volunteers. In 2021, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud celebrated 53 years of service by serving over 630 clients, delivering 69,718 meals, and logging over 41,069 social and wellness visits for the homebound in Southern Larimer County. To learn more about services, visit: https://www.lovelandmealsonwheels.org/.