Next month, the Cass County COA will be participating in the 14th annual March for Meals — a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels in support of the seniors who rely on this vital program.

The COA’s March for Meals celebration, sponsored by Midwest Energy Cooperative, the Minority Coalition of Cass County, and Dr. Hayman and Dr. Stefanski of Cassopolis Dental, will include volunteer appreciation prizes, including a prize drawing for new volunteers who sign up during March. Public figures, including Probate/Family Court Judge Susan L. Dobrich, Rep. Aaron Miller, Sen. John Proos, and Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood, Jr., are slated to pitch in and assist with meal service and delivery.

“The services that we provide the seniors of Cass County are critical, and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Stacy Srivastava, the COA’s Community Development Team Leader. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home, and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

Since 2002, Meals on Wheels America has led the annual awareness campaign in an effort to fill the gap between the seniors served and those in need. That gap is widening because of increased demand due to a rapidly aging population; rising food, transportation, and operational costs; and declining public and private resources. This March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs, like the COA, will reach out to their communities to build the support that will enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to America’s seniors all year long.

“The Meals on Wheels ‘more than just a meal’ model addresses three of the biggest threats of aging: isolation, hunger, and loss of independence,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “More than ever, we must join forces to meet the needs of the fastest growing population in America who want to be able to live at home for as long as they can. It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in Cass County and across the country, call (269) 445-8110 or visit www.marchformeals.com.