Mayor Delivers Meals On Wheels in “Mayors For Meals” National Initiative

"March For Meals" is the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s national campaign to increase public awareness, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising. Old Colony Elderly Services participates in this campaign each year, and this year, a special component was added.

March 19th was deemed "Mayors For Meals" day. On this designated day, Mayor Harrington, along with over 1000 mayors across the country, showed their support for the Meals On Wheels program in their cities by delivering meals to seniors. Last year, the Mayors For Meals national campaign was a major success, with at least 800 mayors across the country delivering meals.

"The Meals On Wheels program is essential. We have many seniors in the city that otherwise would not get a nutritious daily meal." noted DiGiorgi.

"I’ve been a recipient in the Meals On Wheels program for about three years. I’m considered a ‘shut-in’ because I don’t have a car and can’t get to the grocery store. Meals On Wheels serve nice, balanced meals complete with fruit and vegetables. They’ve been very helpful to me," explained Brockton resident Andrew Martin.

Old Colony Elderly Services’ Nutrition Program
Serving Brockton residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60, Old Colony Elderly Services’ Nutrition Program is designed to enhance their quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

At the congregate meal sites, elders receive a well-balanced meal and have the opportunity to participate in the diverse programs offered. For elders who are unable to attend the congregate site, the Meals On Wheels aspect of the Nutrition program offers home delivered meals daily.

Call for MOW Volunteers
Currently, volunteers are needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at the Belair, Manning, Caffrey and Campello congregate Nutrition Sites. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are also needed to deliver meals to elders throughout the Brockton area. Drivers typically deliver 15-20 meals a day, between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, yet they may help out for any number of days per week that they desire.

About Old Colony Elderly Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The organization’s mission is to provide services which will support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

One of the Commonwealth’s 27 non-profit Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs),
OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The agency has 110 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oc-elderly.org.