ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla – On Saturday morning, a lively crowd gathered at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs for the annual March for Meals fundraiser, an event designed to support Meals on Wheels, Etc.

Participants enjoyed a scenic walk around the lake, followed by a delightful brunch provided by Top Hat Catering, the catering arm of the organization.

Meals on Wheels, Etc. is renowned for delivering nutritious meals to seniors across Seminole County. Beyond meal delivery, the organization offers regular wellness checks and additional support for elderly individuals who may struggle to leave their homes.

Michael McKee, the Executive Director, emphasized that the funds raised during the event are crucial for covering meal-related expenses.

“In the last five or six years, particularly after the COVID pandemic and with rising inflation, we’ve seen our food costs skyrocket,” McKee explained.

He noted that these rising expenses have been particularly challenging for seniors living on fixed incomes, as they face increasing costs for both food and housing.

“Even in a fairly wealthy county like Seminole, they need help,” McKee said. “Fixed incomes are what they are. When prices go up and their fixed income stays about the same, that’s a problem.”

According to Meals on Wheels, Etc., every donation from the event helps provide five meals for a senior.

McKee said events like March for Meals are also about bringing the community together and reminding seniors they have not been forgotten.

“We want seniors to know they are not forgotten and boy, look at all these people here that care today,” he said.