“Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program Honors Local Volunteers as Part of a Nationwide March for Meals Event”

HOWELL, MI – March 30, 2012--  Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program was pleased to honor its volunteers at the annual March for Meals volunteer recognition celebration on Friday, March 30, 2012. This year’s event, held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brighton, recognized volunteers from throughout Livingston County.

“It is a pleasure to honor our wonderful volunteers; without them this program could not succeed,” states President Margaret Davey. “For some senior adults, we are the only face they see on a daily basis. The service our volunteers provide is unique and absolutely essential.”

A “Certificate of Recognition” in honor of the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program and its Volunteer Force
was issued by the Livingston County Commissioners and presented by attending commissioners, John E. LaBelle, Dennis L. Dolan, David J. Domas and James E. Mantey, to all volunteers and staff working with the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program.

In Livingston County, approximately 200 active volunteers help fulfill the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program mission so that “no senior goes hungry,” by delivering 120,000 meals each year to seniors in the Livingston County community.

Events like March for Meals are made possible through strong support of our community partners. This year’s March for Meals partners include: Livingston County Commissioners: Maggie E. Jones, John E. LaBelle, Dennis L. Dolan, David J. Domas, Ronald L. VanHouten, Jay R. Drick, Steven E. Williams, Carol S. Griffith and James E. Mantey, City of Howell Mayor Phil Campbell, Brighton Township Supervisor Thomas Murphy, Marion Township
Supervisor Robert Henvey, Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis, City of Brighton Clerk Diana Lowe, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, La Fontaine Automotive Group, Lowe’s and Howell restaurants Applebee’s, Bennigan’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Bob Evans.

March For Meals is a national campaign during the month of March, initiated and sponsored by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of local communities. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program,
promote March For Meals in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives.

40^th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition Programs

This year, March For Meals celebrates the 40^th Anniversary of the inclusion of Senior Nutrition Programs in the Older Americans Act (OAA). In March of 1972, President Nixon signed into law a new Title of the Act that laid the groundwork for more than 5,000 Senior Nutrition Programs. The OAA is the primary piece of federal legislation that authorizes and supports vital nutrition
services, both congregate and Meals On Wheels, to Americans age 60 and older.

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website 

The Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program is a non-profit organization that provides hot nutritious meals to homebound senior adults age 60 and over, to individuals
under the age of 60 who need home delivered meals, and to senior centers, where seniors gather to share community. Award-winning meals provide 33 percent of
daily nutritional needs, five days a week. No-charge emergency boxes and pantry packages assist in inclement weather and help reduce grocery costs. The program, funded in part by The Area Agency on Aging 1-B and available grants from other organizations, relies greatly on the financial generosity of Livingston County residents and donors. To aid in this fund-raising effort, the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program also provides catering for many community events.

For additional information or photos of the event, please contact  Christina Lovgren, (810) 632-2155 or (248) 685-2421

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.