Athens Meals on Wheels Campaign Highlights Community Support for Seniors
The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) has recently concluded its March for Meals initiative, an effort designed to highlight the essential services provided to elderly residents by the Athens Meals on Wheels program. This initiative is part of a broader national campaign aimed at increasing public awareness and support for the needs of older adults.
Among those participating in the campaign were prominent figures such as Mayors Kelly Girtz and Dodd Ferrell, as well as the beloved Georgia mascot, Hairy Dawg. According to Eve Anthony, President and CEO of the ACCA, Hairy Dawg’s presence is a significant draw. “Hairy Dawg, who is always a fan favorite,” Anthony noted. “Whenever Hairy Dawg rolls into people’s neighborhoods, the whole neighborhood comes out to see him, and he is just such a great way for Meals on Wheels to get attention.”
Hairy Dawg’s visits also offer additional benefits to the community. Many older residents live near the University of Georgia and are passionate about its football team, yet they often lack the opportunity to engage with it directly.
Currently, the ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program serves over 160 seniors, but its impact extends further. The organization also assists individuals on their waiting list through a program called Senior Staples. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the local food bank, delivers groceries monthly to an additional 172 people who are awaiting regular meal delivery services.
Looking ahead, the ACCA has announced plans for a new campaign in April, aiming to eliminate the waiting list for Meals on Wheels services in the Athens community.
