Support will help to fight senior isolation and hunger in Metro Atlanta

Senior Connections announced today that it will be participating in the 14th annual March for Meals – a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels and the homebound and vulnerable seniors who rely on its vital safety net. Senior Connections’ March for Meals celebration will include hosting local and elected officials in meal delivery and a “Spring Into Step” daily step challenge during “Community Champions Week,” March 21-27, 2016. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has also proclaimed that week as “March for Meals Week” in the state.

”The services that we provide the seniors of Metro Atlanta are critical. The need is rapidly increasing in Atlanta and Georgia as a whole,” said Debra Furtado, chief executive officer of Senior Connections. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

Senior Connections’ Spring Into Step Challenge incorporates the need for seniors to stay active as they age. The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps daily to stay healthy. Individuals and teams can challenge each other while raising donations through sponsors.  For more information on how you can participate in the Spring Into Step Challenge, volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in Georgia and across the country, visit www.seniorconnectionsatl.org.

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 is widening due to increased demand with a rapidly aging population combined with declining public and private resources, and rising food, transportation and operational costs. This March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs, like Senior Connections, 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.”

About Senior Connections

Since 1973 Senior Connections has provided programs and services designed to help seniors “age in place” in the comfort of their own homes. More than 15,000 nutritious meals are prepared weekly out of Senior Connections’ main kitchen, and meals are distributed throughout metro Atlanta and middle Georgia. In addition to providing this large number of meals, the nonprofit agency provides home repair, in-home care and neighborhood centers to area seniors. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, services are available to anyone over the age of 62, regardless of income level. More information is available at www.seniorconnectionsatl.org.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million 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, research, education 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.