Every March, Bay Aging celebrates “March for Meals,” the anniversary of the 1972 amendment to the Older Americans Act that established a national nutrition program. With the assistance of more than 400 volunteers, Bay Aging’s Meals on Wheels program delivers over 185,000 meals annually to residents of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.
Bay Aging’s eight Active Lifestyle Centers (ALCs) coordinate meal delivery and serve as sites providing congregate meals. On Monday, Jimmie Carter, Chair of the Bay Aging Board of Directors, visited the Lancaster ALC in Kilmarnock to thank staff for their efforts in ensuring that older adults can access nutritious meals. Carter then accompanied volunteer William “Billy” Lee, a member of the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors, on Lee’s Meals on Wheels delivery route.
Bay Aging prides its Meals on Wheels program on delivering much more than a meal. “Loneliness and isolation impact many of the homebound older adults in our community,” explains Carter. “Our Meals on Wheels volunteer may be the only person they see that day. This program provides not just food, but companionship and the reassurance of a daily check-up.” Carter encourages community members to become Meals on Wheels volunteers, describing his ride-along as “a very satisfying experience. When you see people’s reaction to receiving Meals on Wheels, it really makes you feel good.”
If you or someone you know is age 60 or over and experiencing hunger, call Bay Aging at 800-493-0238 to see if you qualify to receive Meals on Wheels. To volunteer your time to deliver meals, contact Ken Rogers at 804-758-2386 x1302 or krogers@bayaging.org.
