SAVANNAH — Senior Citizens Inc. recently joined in the celebration of Meals on Wheels America’s 14th annual March for Meals, a month-long celebration of the nutrition program for the elderly designed to rally communities nationwide around vulnerable seniors who rely on it to remain healthier and independent in their own homes.

In honor of March for Meals, first graders at Blessed Sacrament School are collecting pet food local residents who receive Meals on Wheels food deliveries.

“Sometimes MOW recipients will feed their pets before they feed themselves so it’s really important to help provide pet food in addition to their regularly scheduled meal deliveries,” SCI President Patti Lyons said. “To do this, we rely on the generosity of the community to help us supplement this need for our MOW clients.”

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

“More than ever, community organizations, businesses, all levels of government and concerned individuals must join forces to meet the needs of the fastest growing segment of the population in America,” Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander said. “It not only makes economic sense to support the Meals on Wheels model that for decades has enabled seniors to stay more nourished, independent and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”