March highlights the vital role nutrition plays in healthy aging and marks March for Meals, a national campaign recognizing senior nutrition programs and the volunteers who make them possible. This month allows us to shine a light on our ongoing commitment to ensuring older adults and individuals with disabilities have access to nutritious food, meaningful connection, and support that promotes dignity and independence.
A Year of Impact Through Meals
In Fiscal Year 2025, Legacy Link addressed food insecurity and supported healthy aging across our 13-county service area through the following efforts:
- 92,473 meals were served at 11 senior centers, providing nourishment and opportunities for social connection.
- 376,895 home-delivered meals reached individuals who are homebound or unable to attend a center.
- 844 individuals received fresh, locally grown produce through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Each meal delivered represents more than nutrition—it reflects care, reliability, and community support.
Leading With Heart: From the Stomach to the Soul
Our meal programs rely on dedicated volunteers who make delivery possible. For many clients, a volunteer’s visit is more than a meal—it is a wellness check, a friendly face, and reassurance that someone cares.
In retirement, Kathy found purpose volunteering through the senior center. She conducts wellness checks and helps clients with errands such as grocery shopping when they are unable to do so themselves. Her dedication helps seniors remain safe, supported, and independent.
For Mark, volunteering is about being present when it matters most. During one delivery, he found a client in distress as her husband suffered a stroke and immediately contacted 911. On another visit, he discovered a client who had fallen and ensured she received medical attention. Mark often shares that this program is much more than meal delivery, it is a lifeline.
Through volunteers like Kathy and Mark, meals nourish not only the body, but the soul.
Strengthening Partnerships: Working Together to Fight Food Insecurity
Food insecurity cannot be addressed alone, and Legacy Link is proud to collaborate with many community partners who share our commitment to increasing access to nutritious food for older adults and individuals with disabilities. These partnerships strengthen our reach and allow us to better serve communities across the region.
One recent partnership highlight is our collaboration with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB). In December, Legacy Link staff volunteered with GMFB, helping sort food for distribution throughout North Georgia. GMFB plays a vital role in serving rural and underserved communities, and this partnership supports shared efforts to reduce hunger and improve quality of life.
This collaboration has also created opportunities for shared learning and ongoing conversation about emerging needs and new ways to better support the individuals we serve—strengthening our collective fight against food insecurity.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we recognize March for Meals, we invite you to support this important work:
- Volunteer: Deliver meals, assist at a senior center, or support a local food bank.
- Donate: Help ensure nutritious meals reach those who need them most.
- Advocate: Raise awareness about senior hunger in your community.
Learn more about getting involved at https://legacylink.org/get-involved/.
Moving Forward Together
Legacy Link is proud of the impact made through its nutrition programs, but the need continues. Together, we can strengthen communities, reduce food insecurity, and ensure every older adult and individual with a disability has access to nourishment, connection, and care.