Toyo Supports Meals on Wheels

March 17, 2016

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is a gold sponsor for Meals on Wheels America’s 14th annual March for Meals, a month-long celebration designed to rally communities nationwide around the vulnerable seniors who rely on the vital safety net.

Meals on Wheels America created the March for Meals celebration as a way to commemorate the month in 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Since 2002, March for Meals has grown into a full-scale awareness, fundraising and volunteer recruitment campaign involving and supporting the nationwide network of local Meals on Wheels programs.

“We believe Meals on Wheels provides a tremendous service to seniors in our country, and we are proud to support them in their effort to increase awareness, funding and volunteerism for their cause,” says Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing for Toyo.

4 facts to know:

  • 9.6 million seniors in America face the threat of hunger. That's 1 in 6 seniors.
  • 15.2 million seniors are isolated, living alone.
  • 18.4 million seniors have difficulty paying for basic living needs.
  • The senior population is projected to double by 2050.

This year’s national effort kicked off with a series of events on Capitol Hill designed to raise awareness for the vital public-private partnership that keeps America's seniors healthier at home and out of more costly healthcare settings. With the March for Meals campaign underway, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs across the country are engaging their communities to build the support to enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to seniors all year long.

“We are incredibly grateful for Toyo Tires’ support in meeting the needs of the fastest growing segment of the population in America, not just during the month of March, but throughout the year,” says Ellie Hollander, CEO and president of Meals on Wheels America. “It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it also improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”

Last October, Toyo worked with Meals on Wheels America to provide grants and a set of tires to 14 meal delivery programs across the country. Many received the new Toyo Celsius, a variable-conditions tire that helps staff and volunteers make those important meal deliveries even in rough winter weather.

Learn how to join Toyo Tires in ensuring the seniors in your neighborhood can live more healthy, safe and independent lives at www.marchformeals.com.

For more information about Toyo, visit www.toyotires.com.