The annual event to raise awareness about senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of local communities was embraced Wednesday like a hot apple pie fresh from the oven.
“We certainly appreciate all the help we can get,” said Martha Pepper, director of Warren County Meals on Wheels. “This has been a busy morning for us, but it always is. We appreciate the support and extra attention.”
March for Meals is a national campaign held during the month of March, initiated and sponsored by the Meals on Wheels Association of America. For the event, city mayors and county executives are asked to help raise awareness by volunteering to help their local program.
Lending a hand was Warren County Executive John Pelham, Morrison Mayor Sue Anderson, and McMinnville Mayor Norman Rone.
“I’m just happy I could be here,” said Rone. “This is such a wonderful program. These people do so much and do a good job and I’m grateful to help in any way I can.”
Rone suffered an injury just prior to the announcement of the date of March for Meals and did not know if it would prevent him from participating.
Along with delivering meals, Rone filled bags with uncooked rice. The bags are used in containers to help keep the food warm in transit from Meals on Wheels to homes.
The program hopes to raise awareness of senior hunger using public figures, such as mayors and county executives. Pelham says stealing the spotlight weighs heavy on his heart.
“I want to go on the record right now saying how terrible I feel about this,” he said. “These people work every day to make sure the meals are prepared and delivered. These are the individuals who should be getting all the credit.”
The words brought a strong correction from Pepper who stated, “Without the county, we couldn’t do this. Your support makes this possible and we really appreciate it.”
Before delivering meals, Pelham put on gloves and an apron to help volunteers fill plates for delivery.
Morrison Mayor Sue Anderson helped pack rice bags and deliver meals.
“I really enjoy delivering meals,” said Anderson. “I get attached to the people. They are always happy to see you and they appreciate the meal.”
Anderson delivers meals on Mondays and Thursdays at least once a month. On Wednesday, she went to a new address to deliver a meal and received a welcome surprise.
“I know you,” Anderson said to Hilda Fay Scott. “How are you doing? I haven’t seen you in a long time. We worked together at Oster.”
Anderson, is a longtime employee of Oster, while Scott, 80, worked there for 14 years.
Along with enjoying the visit each day from a Meals on Wheels volunteer, Scott says the food is good.
“It’s almost like homemade,” she said.
The Warren County Meals on Wheels office, located at 106 East End Drive, is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 473-3514.