NASHVILLE, Tenn. –The Tennessee Titans supported the senior community Thursday afternoon at St. Clair Senior Center as part of the "March for Meals" campaign, an initiative created by Meals on Wheels to raise awareness for hungry seniors.
The Mid-Cumberland program serves as many as 1,300 clients in 12 counties across Tennessee who are disabled or do not have transportation. The program is not only about feeding the elderly, but also about checking on their well-being and providing an opportunity for social interaction.
"We try to satisfy the physical need of hunger, but also want to take care of the whole person. Volunteers deliver the meals, and they often can foster a sense of family for a lonely senior," said Sharon McDaniel, community engagement manager of Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels. "We know if seniors feel well connected and are emotionally healthy, it can also lead to improved physical health."
The Tennessee Titans supported the senior community Thursday afternoon at St. Clair Senior Center as part of the ???March for Meals??? campaign, an initiative created by Meals on Wheels to raise awareness for hungry seniors.
Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter joined T-Rac and Titans cheerleaders Kiara and Jessi for photos and autographs during the visit. It was a pleasant surprise as many of the seniors are homebound and do not receive many guests.
Following the meet and greet, two residents of Westbrook Towers received a special meal delivery from the Titans. The unexpected delivery brought tears of joy, laughter and an overall sense of comfort.
"It was one of the best days of my life," said Virginia Maxwell, senior resident of Westbrook Towers.
The Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels program is dedicated to fulfilling their wait list of 400, but needs the community's support. The state of Tennessee has one in five seniors that go to bed hungry every night and 30 percent are forced to choose between food and medicine.
"I think the most powerful words I have ever heard in this job were so simple but so meaningful, 'I am so glad not to be hungry anymore,'" said Debbie Willis, Site Coordinator for Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels.
If you would like to make a contribution to help end senior hunger, visit www.mc-mealsonwheels.com or on FACEBOOK.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels is a community program that provides meals to seniors who need them each day. Some programs serve meals at congregate locations like senior centers, some programs deliver meals directly to the homes of seniors whose mobility is limited, and many programs provide both services.
