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Hayward proclaims March as 'March for Meals' and recognizes Meals on Wheels partners
Summary
Mayor Mark Salinas presented a proclamation recognizing Spectrum Community Services and SOS Meals on Wheels for senior nutrition work in Hayward and applauded volunteers and program staff.
Mayor Mark Salinas presented a proclamation on March 20 recognizing March as "March for Meals" to honor senior nutrition programs and to raise awareness about senior hunger and isolation. The proclamation was presented to representatives from Spectrum Community Services and SOS Meals on Wheels.
In his reading of the proclamation, Salinas noted that the observance celebrates years of service by senior nutrition programs and cited data included in the proclamation: that in 2024 SOS Meals on Wheels delivered 92,566 meals to 533 Hayward seniors and that Spectrum Community Services served 30,574 meals. Blake Spears, president of the SOS Meals on Wheels board, thanked the council and described Hayward as one of the program’s earliest and largest partners. "We really do appreciate all of your support," Spears told the council.
Carol Mahart, development director at Spectrum Community Services, told the council Spectrum’s goal is "to make sure that no senior in Alameda County has to wait for a meal," and said Spectrum currently has no wait list but warned that rising costs and stagnant funding could change that. Mahart encouraged continued advocacy for senior nutrition funding and asked residents to consider volunteering or donating.
Council members who participated earlier in the month’s March for Meals activities described visiting routes and meal sites and praised staff and volunteers for the program’s role in keeping seniors connected.
The proclamation was ceremonial; no council vote was required.
