March 22 – Homebound senior citizens and disabled residents in got a welcome visit today when Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown dropped by to deliver meals. His participation was part of a week-long community celebration of the Meals on Wheels program and sponsored by Meals on Wheels for Western New York (MOW-WNY).
“The ‘Meals on Wheels’ program is an important lifeline for our city seniors and disabled residents who might not have any family nearby,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m pleased to support this valuable program and bring awareness to senior hunger. We need to be aware of our neighbors and there are a lot of seniors in Buffalo who need people to reach out to them.”
This year, Meals on Wheels is celebrating its 49th anniversary of the program. The idea of meals being delivered to people’s homes can trace its roots back to World War Two. The Champions for Meals program is a chance for VIPs from throughout WNY to deliver to those in need, while helping to raise awareness and funds for the program.
Mayor Brown shared the meal delivery experience with 45 other government officials and local celebrities. According to local organization officials, Meals on Wheels for WNY provides about 450,000 meals and nutrition services to over 1,800 people in Buffalo each year, and the need continues to grow. They served approximately 900,000 meals throughout WNY last year to 3,400 unique clients.
“Champions for Meals is always an exciting event, with a wide array of different community supporters able to participate each year,” Chris Procknal, President and CEO, said. “It’s a great chance for our advocates to show their support of the work Meals on Wheels does and for our clients to meet some local celebrities like Mayor Byron Brown. I’m pleased to report that we have a staggering 46 VIPs this year!”
For more about Meals on Wheels for WNY program, including volunteer opportunities, please contact Rachel Leidenfrost, 716-822-2002, ext. 33.