CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners on Tuesday heard details of the 20th annual March for Meals Month, a cause that’s promoted by the county’s Area Agency on Aging.
The commissioners were also presented with a proclamation from Joan Bracco, marketing coordinator and ombudsman, and Julie Fenton, director of education outreach and community service.
Because Tuesday’s meeting was a monthly work session, the commissioners will take official action and then sign the proclamation next week.
The agency, in conjunction with March for Meals Month, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program.
Prior to the COVID, local dignitaries, like the commissioners, would ride along with the agency’s Meals on Wheels drivers to deliver meals and visit with area seniors.
With the pandemic ongoing since March of 2020, it’s been the preference of some seniors to not have additional home visitors, Fenton said, but she’s very hopeful to include dignitaries next year.
The agency delivers approximately 700 meals daily throughout Clearfield County, according to Fenton, which includes senior centers and the outlying areas of the county.
“For some, it may be the only person they see during the week,” she said, noting that “… we’re called Meals on Wheels and More for a reason”
The drivers report any issues or concerns back to agency staff. “They’re an absolute Godsend … and truly are the eyes and ears for our consumers.”
On March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965, establishing a national nutrition program for seniors who are 60 years and older.
Meals on Wheels America began its March for Meals campaign in 2002 to recognize this historic month; the importance of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs, both congregate and home-delivered; and to raise awareness about senior hunger in America.
As part of March for Meals Month this year, the CCAAA is creating a YouTube video, featuring interviews with agency staff, consumers, meal drivers, etc. The video is expected to be released by the end of the week.