Beach Haven proclaims March 2026 as Senior Nutrition Month, honors Meals on Wheels Ocean County

Mayor Colleen Lambert proclaimed March 2026 "a month celebrating senior nutrition programs" and presented a proclamation recognizing Meals on Wheels Ocean County for its service to local seniors.

Lambert read the proclamation during Beach Haven’s March 26 agenda meeting, noting that in 2025 Meals on Wheels Ocean County delivered more than 286,000 meals to over 2,300 seniors and that many participants cannot afford the voluntary $3 donation included in the program. "I, Colleen Lambert, as mayor of the Borough of Beach Haven, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as a month celebrating senior nutrition programs and recognizing the important contributions of Meals on Wheels, Ocean County," she said.

Angela Gallucci, staff with Meals on Wheels Ocean County, accepted the proclamation and described the program’s staffing and volunteer mix. Gallucci said most drivers and front-line roles are currently paid positions but volunteers remain essential in kitchen prep and assembling meal deliveries; the program recently hired a volunteer coordinator to expand volunteer opportunities and restore pre-COVID visitor and telephone reassurance programs.

The proclamation text cited the Older Americans Act (amendments enacted March 22, 1972) as the origin of the national senior nutrition program and urged residents to recognize volunteers and support efforts to address senior hunger and social isolation.

Council members thanked the presenters and commended the Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers. The recognition does not create a funding commitment at this meeting; the proclamation is a formal acknowledgment of the program’s local role and impact.

The council moved on to other agenda items after the presentation; the mayor and staff noted they would consider any follow-up requests presented by Meals on Wheels.