The Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging's Senior Wellness and Nutrition (SWAN) program, along with elected officials throughout Cattaraugus County, recently participated in the 2018 March for Meals' annual Community Champions Campaign. Across the United States, Meals on Wheels programs enlisted elected officials, local celebrities, and other prominent figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors, and raise awareness of the power of Meals on Wheels.

Participating officials in Cattaraugus County included legislators Frank Higgins, Howard VanRensselaer, Robert Neal, Susan Labuhn, David Koch; mayors William Aiello and Norman Marsh; and Town Supervisor Dale Senn.

The annual March for Meals commemorates the historic day in 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 and older. Since 2002, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country have joined forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the support needed to fill the gap between seniors served and those still in need.

"This March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs rallied their communities to build the support that will enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to America's most at-risk seniors all year long," said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. "With demand for Meals on Wheels increasing along with our country's senior population, we need to ensure that seniors are not forgotten."

The Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging's Senior Wellness and Nutrition program delivers over 500 meals each day to homebound seniors throughout the county. A noon time meal is delivered to their homes. A voluntary contribution of $3.25 per meal is accepted; however, no one is denied meals for the inability or unwillingness to contribute. If you are interested in receiving meals for yourself or a loved one, or if you would like to volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels, please contact the Department of the Aging at 716-373-8032.