ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla – People gathered at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs on Saturday morning for the annual March for Meals fundraiser benefiting Meals on Wheels, Etc.
The event included a walk around the lake and brunch served by Top Hat Catering, the organization’s own catering operation.
Meals on Wheels, Etc. is best known for delivering meals to seniors in Seminole County, but the longtime organization also provides check-ins and other support for older adults who may have trouble leaving their homes.
Executive Director Michael McKee said money raised through the event goes directly toward the cost of meals.
“Over the last 5 or 6 years, especially coming out of COVID with all the inflation, our food costs have been soaring,” McKee said.
McKee said that has become especially difficult for seniors living on fixed incomes as food and housing costs continue to rise.
“Even in a fairly wealthy county like Seminole, they need help,” McKee said. “Fixed incomes are what they are. When prices go up and their fixed income stays about the same, that’s a problem.”
According to Meals on Wheels, Etc., every donation from the event helps provide five meals for a senior.
McKee said events like March for Meals are also about bringing the community together and reminding seniors they have not been forgotten.
“We want seniors to know they are not forgotten and boy, look at all these people here that care today,” he said.