Vermont Business Magazine The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging will hold a luncheon for seniors at St. Michael’s College Alliot Center on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 11 am-1 pm. Lunch will be provided to nearly 350 CVAA clients and supporters in honor of the 2016 March for Meals’ annual Community Champions’ Week. Tom Brennan, Sportscaster and former University of Vermont men’s basketball coach will kick off the event.
Governor Peter Shumlin will be signing a proclamation recognizing the importance of Meals on Wheels programs throughout Vermont. Across the country this week, Meals on Wheels programs have enlisted elected officials, local celebrities and other prominent figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels.
As the largest Meals on Wheels provider in Vermont, CVAA oversees more than 60 delivery routes. With the help of over 350 volunteers and partners, meals are delivered to seniors every day of the week. Through March for Meals, CVAA is bringing attention to the thousands of seniors in Vermont who are threatened by hunger and isolation.
“This past year Champlain Valley Agency on Aging served over 225,000 meals to local seniors and that need is rapidly increasing,” said Sara Wool, Director of Development & Communications at Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. “Every person deserves to age well and with the support of the community and area businesses, we believe that we can continue to meet the increasing needs of Vermont seniors.”
CVAA has enlisted the help of prominent officials to help raise awareness throughout March by attending the kickoff, senior community luncheons and delivering meals. Participating officials include Katarina Lisaius from US Senator Bernie Sanders office, Kevin Veller from US Representative Peter Welch’s office, House Representative and Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Kesha Ram, along with Vermont Gubernatorial Candidates, Matt Dunne, Sue Minter, and Bruce Lisman.
Since 2002, Meals on Wheels America has led the March for Meals 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 CVAA, are reaching 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.
“More than ever, we must join forces – local Meals on Wheels programs, governments, businesses and concerned individuals – 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,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “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 help the seniors in Northwestern Vermont, visit http://www.cvaa.org/march-for-meals.html.
About Champlain Valley Agency on Aging
Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) is a nonprofit organization that serves four counties: Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle and is the largest Meals on Wheels provider in Vermont. They believe that every person deserves to age well. Since 1974, CVAA has delivered over 9 million meals, provided nutrition and case management services to over 50,000 people, and responded to over 250,000 calls through our senior helpline. To learn more, visit: www.cvaa.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.
[Essex Junction, VT] (March 22, 2016) – The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging