`March for Meals Month' declared
The Clearlake City Council had a special presentation during its meeting on Thursday — a proclamation declaring March 2023 as “March for Meals Month.”
According to Vice Mayor Russell Perdock, Meals on Wheels is “an amazing program, but it's more than just a delivery service or food preparation service. Oftentimes, it can be a lifeline. All of us in a small community wear many hats, and (through) a couple other hats that I wore, I was able to see the good work of the Meals on Wheels drivers.”
Perdock added that when drivers were called to assist their clients who had fallen or succumbed to illness and they had no one else to check on them, if it had not been for those Meals on Wheels drivers, their clients probably would not have made it another day. “Life saving is another big part of Meals on Wheels, and just the friendship that is created.”
The Vice Mayor then read the proclamation, where it was noted that the campaign provides an opportunity to support senior nutrition programs that deliver vital and critical services by donating, volunteering and raising awareness about senior hunger.
He also recalled while reading the declaration that volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels programs in Clearlake “are the backbone of the program and they not only deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities, but also caring concern and attention to their welfare. Senior nutrition programs provide nutritious meals to seniors throughout the city and help them to avoid premature or unnecessary institutionalization and (offer) a powerful socialization opportunity for millions of se
niors to help combat loneliness and isolation.”
The document drew attention to the fact that every citizen should take time this month to honor the senior nutrition programs, the seniors they serve and the volunteers who care for them. “Our recognition and involvement in the national 2023 March for Meals campaign can enrich our entire community and help end senior hunger in America, so no senior goes hungry,” said Perdock.
“We have to have money to run these meals. We suggested a $5 donation, but unfortunately, in our area, most people cannot donate. I want people to realize that $1,825 yearly actually feeds a senior, for a full year, a meal every single day, 365 days. That's really not much. That's most of our paychecks. Just think about: One paycheck could actually feed a senior person in our country for a whole year. That's almost unheard of. People can go online and they can donate on our website, which is hsscclearlake.org. Everything counts,” said Joyce Overton, Clearlake City Council member.
Overton then announced there will be a fundraiser event on March 25. “That's our annual hoedown that we normally have later on in the year, but we've decided to move it to March because everybody else has theirs. Tickets are $40. This is the way we raise money to keep our programs going. Without the community support, this won't be successful. I encourage that you come in and enjoy a dinner and a dance. You don't have to dress up. Just come as you are and have a good time. We're going to do some line dancing, so you don't even have to bring a partner. You can come by yourself.”
Clearlake City Council meetings take place at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Clearlake City Hall Council Chambers 14050 Olympic Drive Clearlake, CA 95422. More information, agendas and minutes of previous meetings can be found online at http://Clearlake.ca.us/143/City-Council.