Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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March 01, 2020
WHEREAS, on March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and 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 historic month and 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 2020 observance of March for Meals celebrates 18 years of providing an opportunity to support home delivered meal programs, such as Meals on Wheels, that deliver vital and critical services by donating, volunteering, and raising awareness about senior hunger and isolation; and,
WHEREAS, volunteers for home delivered meal programs 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 provide caring concern and attention to their welfare; and,
WHEREAS, home delivered meal programs in Michigan provide nutritious meals to seniors throughout the state that help them maintain their health and independence, thereby preventing unnecessary falls and hospitalizations, and prolonging a more independent life at home; and,
WHEREAS, home delivered meal programs also provide a powerful socialization opportunity for millions of seniors to help combat the negative health effects and economic consequences of loneliness and isolation; and,
WHEREAS, home delivered meal programs deserve recognition for the contributions they have made and will continue to make to local communities, our state, and our nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2020 as the 18th Annual March for Meals Month and urge every citizen to take this month to honor our home delivered meal programs, the seniors they serve, and the volunteers who care for them. Our recognition of, and involvement in, the national 2020 March for Meals can enrich our entire community and help combat senior hunger and isolation in America.