Title
Proclamation for March 2023 as the 21st Annual March for Meals Month
Body
WHEREAS, on March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels America established the March for Meals campaign in March 2002 to recognize the historic month, the importance of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs, both congregate and home-delivered, and raise awareness about the escalating problem of senior hunger in America; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 observance of March for Meals celebrates 21 years of providing an opportunity to support Meals on Wheels programs that deliver vital and critical services by donating, volunteering and raising awareness about senior hunger and isolation; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs - both congregate and home-delivered, in San Leandro have served our communities admirably for more than four decades; and
WHEREAS, in 2022 SOSMOW delivered 69,787 meals to 371 seniors in San Leandro, and in 2022 Spectrum Community Services served 14,257 meals to 313 seniors in San Leandro.
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs in San Leandro provide nutritious meals to seniors throughout San Leandro that help them maintain their health and independence, thereby preventing unnecessary falls, hospitalizations and/or premature institutionalization; and
WHEREAS, Spectrum Community Services’ and SOS Meals on Wheels Programs serving San Leandro, CA are more than a meal, providing a powerful socialization opportunity for millions of seniors to help combat the negative health effects and economic consequences of loneliness and isolation; and
WHEREAS, Spectrum Community Services’ and SOS Meals on Wheels Programs serving San Leandro, CA deserve recognition for the contributions they have made and will continue to make to local communities, our State and our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Juan Gonzalez, III, Mayor of the City of San Leandro, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as the 21st Annual March for Meals Month and urge every citizen to take this month to honor our Meals on Wheels programs, the seniors they serve and the volunteers who care for them. Our recognition of, and involvement in, the national 2023 March for Meals 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 the Seal of the City of San Leandro to be affixed this 6th day of March 2023.