|
| L to R: Phil Beard, Elderly Nutrition Program Director at Coastline Elderly Services, Mayor Scott Lang, Mayor of the City of New Bedford, and Charles Sisson, Executive Director of Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. take a break from delivering “Meals on Wheels” to pose for this picture. |
|
|
| Acushnet Selectman Robert St. Jean serving lunch at one of Coastline's Elderly Nutrition Meal Sites |
Acushnet Selectman Robert Brown serving lunch at one of Coastline's Elderly Nutrition Meal Sites |
March for Meals
by Abrah J. Salk
March for Meals is the National Meals on Wheels of America Campaign to raise awareness and funds for a very important cause – feeding our elders.
“The intent of this is that no seniors go hungry. There are constant pressures – increases in gasoline prices, food costs, etc. It's become more and more difficult to continue the program as is. We need to be more dynamic”, says Phil Beard, The Elderly Nutrition Program Director at Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
Throughout the month of March various fundraisers and activities were held across the country to increase the exposure of this very important program.
The highest profiled event was the “Mayors for Meals” in which over 400 mayors and other dignitaries nationwide delivered meals to home-bound elders. Locally, other events included a spaghetti dinner, interviews on the local radio stations, press releases to the local newspapers, and 50/50 raffles in the various towns.
"Many times our volunteers and staff are the only person that an isolated elder sees during the course of the day. It was great that the Mayor took time from his very busy schedule to meet with several of our great elders who we are able to assist in remaining living independently in their homes", noted Charles Sisson, Executive Director of Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
As a result of these successful March for Meals campaigns, Coastline's program won awards two consecutive years in a row. We were awarded $1500 from last year's campaign and $500 from the campaign from the year before that.
Even though March is the awareness month for this program, it's important that we don't forget about feeding and caring for elders all year long.
For more information on Coastline's Elderly Nutrition Program, please contact Phil Beard at (508) 999-6400 x190 or Evelyn Richard at (508) 999-6400 x188.
For more information on all of programs that Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. offers, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable information and referral staff at (508) 999-6400.
