Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently held a special “March for Meals” event in Easton to mark the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that provides funding for nutrition services for seniors and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.
OCES’ March for Meals campaign included a Community Champions component, during which local elected officials and council on aging directors participate along with OCES to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. This special March for Meals lunch was held on March 24.
State Sen. Michael Brady’s assistant, Alfred DeGirolamo, along with Easton Council on Aging Director Kristin Kennedy, Program Director Anne Daley, Easton Public Health Officer Timothy J Vamosi, OCES Supportive Housing Specialist Shikha Datta, OCES Community Programs Director Brenda Carrens and OCES Nutrition Supervisor Jean-Marie Finn provided nutritious “Grab and Go” meals to residents at the Easton Housing Authority on Parker Terrace.
“The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults who are unable to prepare meals or manage grocery shopping,” said Nicole M. Long, OCES CEO. :In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, our March for Meals events gave older adults opportunities to meet the dedicated individuals serving our communities and supporting the vital Meals on Wheels programs.”
Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about many new challenges, but OCES continues to adapt and safely serve the needs of their consumers and communities. According to Meals on Wheels America, eight out of 10 local Meals on Wheels programs are still serving more home-delivered meals than they were prior to the pandemic.
All of OCES’ nutrition meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian. OCES has hundreds of volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 1,900 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound recipients living in greater Plymouth County.
For more information about OCES’ Nutrition and Meals on Wheels program, contact Brenda Carrens OCES’ Community Programs Director at 508-582-1561, ext. 252.
