LouisvilleKY’s “March for Meals” raises awareness of hunger

Mayor Fischer, Metro Council Members and other leaders deliver Meals on Wheels

Louisville, KY., – Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program announced today its support and participation in the 17th annual March for Meals – the month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels and the homebound and vulnerable seniors who rely on this vital safety net.

“The services that we provide the seniors of Louisville are critical and the need continues to increase,” said Melanie Rivard, program manager for the city’s Senior Nutrition Program, part of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.  “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

The Senior Nutrition Program works year-round to help seniors stay healthy by providing hot, nutritious meals. Through the Meals on Wheels program, hundreds of volunteers helped deliver over 100,000 hot noontime meals last year to qualified individuals. Nearly 90,000 meals were served to active seniors at more than 20 congregate meal sites, which offer seniors an opportunity for a nutritious lunch, socialization and activities.

meals on wheels

“The month of March is a fitting time to not only celebrate the successful history of Meals on Wheels, but also bring us together to support a solution that will strengthen communities into the future,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “With 12,000 Americans turning 60 each day, now is the time to invest in these vital programs so that we can provide every senior in need with the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that will enable them to live healthier and independent in their own homes.”

To spotlight important services provided by the Senior Nutrition Program and to help recruit volunteers, Mayor Greg Fischer, six Louisville Metro Council members and other local leaders will help deliver meals to homebound seniors during March.  This week, March 18 – 22, the following individuals will deliver meals:  Council Members Jessica Green (District 1), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), David James (District 6), Brandon Coan (District 8), Bill Hollander (District 9), and Pat Mulvihill (District 10), along with Becky Peak, the Mayor of the City of Plantation.

Mayor Fischer will deliver meals on Friday, March 22 in the Old Louisville area.

The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities, including packaging and serving meals at one of the congregate sites, and delivering meals to homebound clients.  For more information about volunteering, call (502) 574-6420.  Volunteer drivers are especially needed for routes in the west and south ends of Louisville.  To make a financial donation to Meals on Wheels, click here for Louisville Metro’s secure on-line donation form.

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals.  Seniors who would like to receive Meals on Wheels can call (502) 574-6325 to begin the qualification process.  The senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, can be found by calling the same number above or by visiting https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/senior-nutrition-program. Sites require a one-day advanced reservation.

About Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services’ Senior Nutrition Program
Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition programs are funded, in part, under a contract with KIPDA and the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Louisville Metro Government and private donations from individuals and families. In addition to providing daily meals, staff and volunteers provide individual interaction and attention to homebound and congregate participants.

About Meals on Wheels America (Formerly Meals On Wheels Association of America)
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.