Walkers can March for Meals at two sites

The eighth annual March for Meals, a fundraiser for senior nutrition programs in the county, will be Saturday, April 13.

The first walk will be in Colfax from 10 a.m. to noon at the CHS track and a second walk will be held in Pullman at the Mooberry track from 1 to 3 p.m.

“Five dollars can feed a senior,” Suzy McNeilly, nutrition program director for the Council on Aging, said.

Walkers are encouraged to get pledges as well as cash donations.

McNeilly said the walk will include prizes in several different categories.

Last year, walkers raised more than $14,000 and all donations remained in Whitman County.

The March for Meals is a national campaign that began in 2001 to raise money for Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition Programs and raise awareness for senior hunger issues and volunteer opportunities with senior programs.

In Whitman County, the programs provide Meals on Wheels in both Colfax and Pullman, in conjunction with the Pullman Council on Aging. Also, meals are provided at six meal sites throughout the county. Food is provided to more than 500 seniors monthly through food banks and the commodity distribution system at 12 different sites around the county.

In 2012, they served 18,243 homebound meals and 12,089 meals in group settings.

In 2013, they intend to serve more than 19,000 homebound meals and 12,500 meals in group settings for seniors in addition to the food bank and commodities.

McNeilly said she has had many verbal responses for the walk, along with monetary donations and new sponsors. She said she expects as many as 50 walkers in Colfax and more in Pullman.

McNeilly said walkers can either fill out forms at the Council on Aging office or can show up April 13 to walk.