March for Meals

Forty years ago, Grand River Health (then called Clagett Memorial Hospital) began delivering Meals on Wheels. Clubs and churches helped with the delivery and the hospital made the meals in its own kitchen.

Delivering a few thousand meals a year in 1981, the service has grown exponentially; in 2015 over 17,000 meals were delivered to seniors, disabled and hospice patients from New Castle to Parachute. Join us this year as we celebrate the over 100,000 meals that have gone out during this time. The first of our celebrations will kick off our March for Meals month.

Grand River Meals on Wheels will be participating in the 14th annual March for Meals – a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels and the homebound and vulnerable seniors who rely on its vital safety net. Grand River Meals on Wheel’s March for Meals celebration will include Empty Bowls, Community Champion’s Luncheon, and the Grand River Gallop 5KRun/2K Family Fun Run.

”2016 is the 40th anniversary year of Grand River Health providing meals on wheels in Rifle, Colorado. The services that we provide the seniors, disabled and hospice patients of western Garfield County are critical and the need is rapidly increasing. In 2015, we delivered over 17,000 meals which is a 30% increase over the previous year,” said Kaaren Peck, Director of Grand River Meals on Wheels. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

Since 2002, Meals on Wheels America has led the annual awareness campaign 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 Grand River Meals on Wheels, will reach 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.

“The Meals on Wheels ‘more than just a meal’ model addresses three of the biggest threats of aging: isolation, hunger and loss of independence,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “More than ever, we must join forces 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. 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 volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in Garfield County and across the country, visit www.marchformeals.com. If you are interested in becoming a meals on wheels driver please call 970-625-6215.