CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                              PROCLAMATION
        INAUGURAL MARCH FOR MEALS MONTH – MARCH 2022
WHEREAS, on March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law an amendment to the
Older Americans Act of 1965 that 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 importance of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs, both congregate and
home-delivered, and to raise awareness about the escalating problem of senior hunger in America;
and

WHEREAS, the 2022 observance of March for Meals provides 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, the Meals on Wheels program has served the Charlottesville/Albemarle community
admirably for 44 years, serving 322 homebound citizens and delivering 66,720 home-delivered
meals in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels volunteers are the backbone of the program, not only delivering
nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities who are at significant risk of hunger and
isolation, but also bringing caring concern and attention to their welfare; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle provides nutritious meals to seniors
that help them maintain their health and independence, preventing unnecessary falls,
hospitalizations and/or premature institutionalization; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle provides a powerful opportunity for
social connection for millions of seniors to help combat the negative health effects and economic
consequences of loneliness and isolation; and

WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle deserves recognition for the heroic
contributions and essential services they have provided amid the COVID-19 pandemic and will
continue to provide to local communities, our State and our Nation long after it is over.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor of the City of Charlottesville, do hereby
proclaim March 2022 as the 1st Annual March for Meals Month in Charlottesville 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 2022 March for
Meals can enrich our entire community and help combat senior hunger and isolation in America.

Signed and sealed this 7th day of March 2022.



_______________________
J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor