Since beginning in the late 1940s, Partners in Prime has been a resource and advocate for older adults. Because of this, it’s crucial for us to support initiatives that impact older adults on a local and national level.

In the month of March we participate in the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s national campaign, Mayors for Meals to raise awareness about hunger in the older adult population. As the largest provider of Meals on Wheels in Butler County, delivering around 800 meals each day, we understand the importance of ensuring that nutritious meals are affordable and accessible for older adults.

With 8.3 million older U.S. citizens facing the threat of hunger every day, it’s truly a necessity to take action and become part of the national dialogue to combat hunger in this group. Too many seniors face the difficult choice of using their limited income to pay for prescriptions and medical care versus food.

Mayors for Meals combines with our annual Big Wheels Take Meals event. City and community leaders have the opportunity to accompany drivers on their Meals on Wheels routes to experience the impact firsthand. As they discover, for many clients, it’s so much more than just a meal. It’s a regular visitor, a friendly conversation, a genuine smile and a helping hand.

We have recently added a new component to our program: main entree choices. Though our meals have always been nutritionally balanced, clients are now able to choose between two daily main course options. Per federal guidelines, meals are pre-approved by a registered dietician and provide at least one-third of the daily required nutritional intake in a single meal.

And while we are thrilled to be a part of the solution to senior hunger, we also know that there is still much more to do. We must continue to raise awareness about the implications of hunger among older adults and inspire local and national legislators to create supporting policies.

Federal budget sequestration could mean that Ohio will be forced to reduce senior meals by more than 800,000 per year. Fortunately, in Butler County, the Elderly Services Program property tax supplements federal Meals on Wheels funding, so the local effect may be minimized.

Are you interested in being an advocate for older adults? You can support the Mayors for Meals campaign by visiting www.mowaa.org/pledge to take the pledge today, or just stop by either of our Prime Clubs or the West Chester Activity Center and find out how you can do your part.