RESOLUTION NO. 230273

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Sponsor: Councilmember Ryana Parks-Shaw

Declaring March 2023 as the 21st annual March for Meals month at KC Shepherd's Center.

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WHEREAS, on March 22, 1972, President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for individuals 60 years and older; and

WHEREAS, KC Shepherd's Center was the first to bring Meals on Wheels to Kansas City as one its original programs when the organization was founded at Central United Methodist Church in 1972; and

WHEREAS, volunteers for Meals on Wheels programs in Kansas City, Missouri are the backbone of the KC Shepherd's Center "Daily Well Check and a Hot Meal" program and they not only deliver nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities who are at significant risk of hunger and isolation, but also caring concern and attention to their welfare; and

WHEREAS, KC Shepherd's Center's Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious meals to more than 1,400 homebound older adults throughout Kansas City, thereby helping to prevent unnecessary falls, hospitalizations and/or premature institutionalization; and

WHEREAS, the senior population is the fastest growing age group, on track to double in Kansas City, Missouri between 2010 and 2030, and action is needed now to support local Meals on Wheels programs through federal, state and local funding; volunteering; donations; and raising awareness to ensure these vital services can continue to be delivered for years to come; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council do hereby declare March 2023 as a month celebrating Meals on Wheels and urge every community member to take this month to honor our senior nutrition programs, the individuals they serve and the volunteers who care for them. Our recognition of, and involvement in, the national March for Meals celebration...

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