WHEREAS, on March 22, 1972, President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for individuals 60 years and older, and;
WHEREAS, for more than five decades, this landmark law has helped to fund community-based organizations — like Meals on Wheels — and it is still the only federal program designed specifically to meet the nutritional and social needs of older adults, and;
WHEREAS, this year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining together for the March for Meals awareness campaign to celebrate its success and garner the support needed to ensure these critical programs can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence and improve health for years to come, and;
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs -home-delivered, in Crawfordsville, Indiana have served our communities admirably for 54 years, and;
WHEREAS, volunteers for Meals on Wheels programs in Crawfordsville, are the backbone of the program and they not only deliver nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities who are at significant risk of hunger and isolation, but also caring concern and attention to their welfare; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs in Crawfordsville, provide nutritious meals to seniors throughout our city that help them maintain their health and independence, thereby helping to prevent unnecessary falls, hospitalizations and/or premature institutionalization; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs in Crawfordsville, provide a powerful opportunity for social connection for many seniors to help combat the negative health effects and economic consequences of loneliness and isolation; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs in Crawfordsville, deserve recognition for the heroic contributions and essential services they have provided amid the COVID-19 pandemic, inclement weather and other emergencies, and;
WHEREAS, the senior population is increasing substantially, and action is needed now to support local
Meals on Wheels programs through federal, state and local funding; volunteering; donations; and raising
awareness to ensure these vital services can continue to be delivered for years to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MAYOR TODD D. BARTON, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as MARCH FOR
MEALS MONTH in the City of Crawfordsville to celebrate Meals on Wheels.
I urge every community member to take this month to honor our senior nutrition programs, the individuals they serve, and the volunteers who care for them. Our recognition of, and involvement in, the national March for Meals celebration can enrich our entire community and help combat senior hunger and isolation in America.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Seal of the City of
Crawfordsville this 1st Day of March, 2023.
Todd Barton
