RESOLUTION NO. 250251
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Sponsor: Councilmember Darrell Curls
RESOLUTION - Declaring the week of March 17 through March 21, 2025, as Community Champions Week throughout Kansas City, Missouri and honoring the Kansas City Shepherd’s Center for its dedication to ending senior hunger and isolation.
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WHEREAS, March 2025 marks the 53rd anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, commonly known as Meals on Wheels, which was established to address the growing need for proper nutrition, care, and connection among older adults across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels programs play a critical role in combating senior hunger and isolation, providing nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks that enable millions of seniors across the country to live independently in their own homes and communities; and
WHEREAS, in 1972, the Kansas City Shepherd’s Center established the first Meals on Wheels program in Kansas City, which has provided a daily wellness check and nutritious meal for the past 53 years; and
WHEREAS, the Kansas City Shepherd’s Center is the largest nonprofit provider of Meals on Wheels in Kansas City, delivering more than 200,000 meals to over 850 homebound seniors each year, ensuring older adults across our city have access to healthy food and social connection; and
WHEREAS, March 17-21, 2025, has been designated as Community Champions Week and April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and both provide an important opportunity to recognize and support the tireless effort of Meals on Wheels volunteers and staff, and to raise awareness among our elected officials and community stakeholders about the importance of supporting Meals on Wheels programs that reduce senior hunger and isolation; and
WHEREAS, the Kansas City Council is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the health, dignity, and independence of our older residents, ensuring they remain valued and active members of our community; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby declare March 17- March 21, 2025, as Community Champions Week and April as Volunteer Appreciation Month in honor of the 53rd anniversary of Meals on Wheels, recognize and honor the Kansas City Shepherd’s Center and encourage all residents to support the program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the Kansas City Shepherd’s Center with the gratitude of the Mayor and Council in honor of its dedication to ending senior hunger and isolation in Kansas City, Missouri.
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