Benton, Ar - Central Arkansas Development Council's (CADC) Senior Activity Centers in Mt. Ida, Murfreesboro, Arkadelphia, Guron and Benton rallies against senior hunger in its annual March for Meals campaign.

The annual "We Are Meals on Wheels" is a CADC outreach campaign for its Senior Activity Centers. The local project is part of a national effort focusing on ending senior hunger and recruiting individuals and groups to get involved by volunteering or donating to the Senior Activity Centers. CADC celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the inclusion of Nutrition Programs in the Older Americans Act and reflects on the past history of Senior Nutrition Programs. It is more important than ever to work together to build a new vision of the future.

The five senior centers raised more than $7,100 towards ending hunger by participating in the annual Mayors for Meals campaign. Participating Mayors included Mt. Ida Mayor Jo Childress, Arkadelphia Mayor Chuck Hollingsworth, Murfreesboro Mayor Travis Branch, Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin and Benton Mayor David Mattingly.

The senior centers also held fundraisers to support the meals for the homebound and disabled. Centers partnered with volunteers, local businesses and center participants to raise more than $7,100. The centers were also successful in recruiting new volunteers to the centers.

Speaking to Arkadelphia Senior Activity Center, Arkadelphia Mayor Chuck Hollinsghead said "Serving others and volunteering for the homebound program are rewarding experiences. I want to encourage others to consider finding a way to get involved to help raise awareness about senior hunger."

To become a volunteer for the Meals for Seniors program, contact Evelyn Reed at 501-778-1133 or contact your local senior center.

• Arkadelphia Senior Center, 1305 North 10th Street. 870-246-9871
• Benton Senior Center, 210 Jeffson. 501-315-0645
• Bryant Senior Center, 6401 Boone Road Suite 3. 847-2041 ext 3.
• Glenwood Senior Center, 229 Betty Street. 870-356-4212
• Gurdon Senior Center, 410 East Main Street, 8970-353-2095
• Malvern Senior Center, 1800 WEst Moline, 501-332-5374
• Mt. Ida Senior Center, 158 Senior Drive, 870-867-2313
• Murfreesboro Senior Center, 120 E. Court, Suite A, 870-285-2312

The program is available five days a week to qualified individuals, 60 years or older, who are homebound or disabled.

CADC's Senior Centers give older adults support and encouragement to reach new levels of independence, fostering educational and emotional wellness for persons 60 and older. Activities include exercise, social interaction, nutrition, transportation services, recreational events, book clubs, computer training, and more.

CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, call 501-778-1133.

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