Area April 3, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Community Meals, Inc. recently hosted its annual Mayors for Meals Day as a part of its March for Meals campaign. Mayors Paul S. Aronsohn of Ridgewood, Vince Barra of Allendale, John van Keuren of Glen Rock, and Councilman Jack Considine of Midland Park participated in the event to show their support for our community’s homebound and hungry seniors. Because of a scheduling conflict, Mayor Thomas A. Giordano of Waldwick helped out the following day. Community Meals, Inc. invited elected officials to observe the meal packing process in the Christ Church kitchen. Hot and cold meals are prepared by Valley Dining at The Valley Hospital, and a Valley Hospital kitchen technician delivers the hot meals in bulk containers. The CMI volunteers then pack the food into individual, labeled aluminum tins. Sixty to 75 clients receive meals every weekday. After the meals were packed, the local government officials accompanied dedicated volunteers on routes through their respective towns to embrace the volunteer experience and connect with CMI’s clients – their constituents. “Once again, we are excited about having the mayors and elected officials participate in our Mayors for Meals Day event. The exposure helps people realize that this service is available!” said Executive Director Stacey Gilmartin. March for Meals is a national campaign during the month of March, initiated by the Meals on Wheels Association of America, which seeks to raise awareness CMI hosts annual Mayors for Meals Day event of senior hunger and encourage action on the part of the local community. Senior nutrition programs across the United States promote March for Meals in local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising initiatives. Community Meals, Inc. is a private, non-profit service organization that delivers nutritional meals to the homebound Monday though Friday, excluding six holidays. Volunteers deliver meals between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to clients in Allendale, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Waldwick, and part of Saddle River. Community Meals depends on private donations to keep meals affordable, to subsidize those in financial need, and to assure continued service to homebound, elderly, and handicapped clients. Donations may be made online at www.communitymealsonwheels.org or mailed to: Community Meals, Inc. c/o Christ Church, 105 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07452. Volunteers are always needed. One hour of a volunteer’s time per week will ensure that homebound individuals will have nutritious meals and daily attention. Call (201) 447-8295 or e-mail communitymeals@verizon.net. The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. Visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org. Ridgewood Mayor Paul S. Aronsohn, Midland Park Councilman Jack Considine, Glen Rock Mayor John van Keuren and Allendale Mayor Vince Barra pose before heading out to deliver weekday meals for Community Meals Inc. to help spread awareness during the Mayors For Meals campaign.