CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                                PROCLAMATION
                          21ST ANNUAL CHARLOTTESVILLE
                       MARCH FOR MEALS MONTH – MARCH 2023
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 2023 observance of March for Meals celebrates the 21st year in our city of providing an
opportunity to support Meals on Wheels programs that deliver vital and critical services by donating,
volunteering and raising awareness about hunger and isolation; and

WHEREAS the Meals on Wheels program has served the Charlottesville/Albemarle community
admirably for 45 years, serving 325 homebound citizens and delivering 70,620 home-delivered meals in
2022; and

WHEREAS volunteers for Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle 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 of Charlottesville/Albemarle provides nutritious meals to homebound
citizens throughout the city and county 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 our homebound neighbors 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, the Charlottesville City Council hereby proclaims March 2023 as the 21st
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 2023 March for Meals can enrich our entire community and help
combat senior hunger and isolation in America.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of March 2023.

___________________________
J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor


Attest:

___________________________
Kyna Thomas, Clerk of Council