March for Meals: Nourishing Seniors, Strengthening Communities

Every March, communities across the country come together to celebrate March for Meals, a nationwide campaign advocating for home-delivered and community meal programs that keep older adults nourished, independent, and connected. Here in the Northeast Kingdom, we see firsthand how these meals are more than just food—they are a lifeline for seniors.

Why Meals on Wheels Matters in the NEK

For many older adults in our region, a home-delivered meal is the difference between thriving and struggling. The Northeast Kingdom is rural, and access to healthy, affordable food can be challenging, especially for those who are homebound or have limited transportation.

📌 Did you know?

• In Vermont, 1 in 7 older adults faces the risk of hunger.
• Home-delivered meals help seniors remain independent in their own homes for longer.
• A Meals on Wheels visit also provides a friendly check-in, ensuring seniors are safe and cared for.

Many of our home-delivered meal recipients live alone and have little to no family nearby. For them, the meal delivery is not just food—it’s a connection to the community. For some, it may be the only interaction they have that day.

One of our recipients, Alice, shared how Meals on Wheels changed her life:
"After my husband passed, I didn’t have anyone to help me with grocery shopping. Some days, I just wouldn’t eat because I was too tired to cook. Meals on Wheels not only brings me meals, but I also get to see a friendly face every day. That means the world to me."

This is why March for Meals is so critical. It highlights the importance of meal programs and rallies the community to support our older neighbors.

The Power of Volunteers

At the heart of March for Meals is the incredible network of volunteers who make it possible. From delivering meals to checking in on clients, volunteers provide more than just food—they provide companionship and peace of mind.

Why Volunteering Matters:
✅ It’s a small time commitment with a huge impact.
✅ Volunteers build meaningful relationships with clients.
✅ It ensures that no senior in our community is forgotten.

🚗 We Need More Drivers!
Right now, we are in urgent need of Home Delivered Meals drivers in Newport to help make sure no senior goes hungry. A few hours a week can make an enormous impact!

➡ Interested in helping? Contact Emily Sanderson at esanderson@nekcouncil.org or (802) 751-0431.

How You Can Support March for Meals

Not everyone can deliver meals, but everyone can help in some way! Here’s how:

✅ Volunteer: Whether delivering meals, helping at a meal site, or making wellness calls—every bit helps!
✅ Donate: A contribution of just $10 provides a meal to a senior in need.
✅ Advocate: Help us spread awareness about senior hunger and the importance of funding nutrition programs.
✅ Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and neighbors. Follow us on Facebook and help us advocate for continued funding for senior nutrition programs.

Would you consider sponsoring a senior's meals for a week, a month, or even a year? Every donation helps keep the program running and ensures that no one in our community is left behind.

The Fight Against Senior Hunger Continues

This March for Meals, let’s come together to support our seniors, our volunteers, and our community. Because a meal is more than just food—it’s love, connection, and care.

🔗 Learn more or sign up to help: Call our Helpline at 800-642-5119 or email info@nekcouncil.org.