Communities across the United States observe Community Champions Week each March as part of the national March for Meals campaign, led by Meals on Wheels America.
Typically held during the third week of March, the observance recognizes the impact of local, state, and federal support for MOW programs, while creating awareness of senior hunger and isolation concerns, while encouraging community involvement.
This year’s national campaign theme, “End the Wait,” brings renewed attention to the growing number of seniors across the country who are waiting for nutritious meals and vital social connection. With demand increasing and resources stretched, the message is clear: no senior should be left waiting for food, safety checks, or human connection.
The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) proudly follows this national observance and will celebrate Community Champions Deliver Meals on March 18, spotlighting Osceola County individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to support our local MOW nutrition program to help End the Wait for seniors in our community.
Community Champions Week brings together business partners, elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels, law enforcement, media, corporate partners, sponsors, and volunteers who support MOW through advocacy, funding, and direct service. During this week, community leaders’ step into the role of meal delivery drivers, experiencing firsthand how a nutritious meal and friendly visit can make a meaningful difference in a senior’s day.
A few notable Community Champions from last year included St. Cloud City Council Member Jennifer Paul, members of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, former Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez, Barry Cotton from Senator Rick Scotts Office and OCCOA Board Member Rayelynne Ketchum from Land Title Professionals. We also recognized several team members from the Kissimmee Utility Authority for their continued title sponsorship of our annual March for Meals fundraiser.
At the national level, MOW America uses Community Champions Week to highlight that the program not only delivers nutritious meals to seniors and disabled adults, but also reduces food insecurity, combats isolation, and provides critical wellness checks. The End the Wait campaign reinforces the urgent need for volunteers, donations, and sustained funding, particularly as many programs across the country face waiting lists and increased demand. Today, MOW serves more than 2 million seniors annually nationwide.
Community Champions Week also commemorates a significant moment in history. On March 22, 1972, an amendment to the Older Americans Act established the nutrition program for seniors, creating the foundation for the national MOW network. As the primary federal funding source for senior nutrition services, the OAA has been instrumental in supporting the health, independence, and well-being of older adults.
This history is especially meaningful for the OCOA as we celebrate our 55th anniversary as a social service organization this year. Founded in 1971, OCCOA supported seniors even before the 1972 amendment and has grown alongside the national MOW movement for more than five decades. Our continued commitment remains the same: ensuring seniors in Osceola County are served timely meals.
Locally, proclamations will be issued by the City of Kissimmee, Osceola County, and the City of St. Cloud during the month of March to recognize the many individuals who help make Meals on Wheels possible and support the shared goal to End the Wait in our community.
“March is an important time for us to come together to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Despite our relentless efforts, local Meals on Wheels providers are struggling to address the sheer volume of need in communities across the country.”
In support of our local Meals on Wheels program, OCCOA will also host its 21st Annual March for Meals St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run on Saturday, March 14, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, beginning at 7 a.m. Those interested in participating in or sponsoring the event can visit www.osceolagenerations.org or call 407-846-8532.
