Cypress, CA,– Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. today announces that it is a gold sponsor for Meals on Wheels America’s 14^th Annual March for Meals – a month-long celebration of Meals on Wheels designed to rally communities nationwide around the vulnerable seniors who rely on the vital safety net to remain healthier and independent in their own homes.

“We believe Meals on Wheels provides a tremendous service to seniors in our country, and we are proud to support them in their effort to increase awareness, funding and volunteerism for their cause,” said Amy Coleman, senior director of marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. 

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

THE FACTS:

• 9.6 million seniors in America face the threat of hunger - that's 1 in 6!
• 15.2 million seniors are isolated, living alone
• 18.4 million seniors have difficulty paying for basic living needs
• The senior population is projected to double by 2050

This year’s national effort kicked off with a series of events on Capitol Hill designed to raise awareness for the vital public-private partnership that keeps America's seniors healthier at home and out of more costly healthcare settings. With the March for Meals campaign well underway, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs across the country are engaging their communities to build the support to enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to seniors all year long.

“We are incredibly grateful for Toyo Tires’ support in meeting the needs of the fastest growing segment of the population in America – not just during the month of March, but throughout the year,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it also improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”

Last October, Toyo Tires worked with Meals on Wheels America to provide grants and a set of tires to 14 meal delivery programs across the country. Many received the new Toyo Celsius, a variable-conditions tire that helps staff and volunteers make those important meal deliveries even in rough winter weather.

Learn how to join Toyo Tires in ensuring the seniors in your neighborhood can live more healthy, safe and independent lives at www.marchformeals.com.

About Toyo Tires®

Established in 1966, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. represents the innovation, quality, performance, and excellent service that Toyo Tires has delivered worldwide for 70 years. The company offers a full line of premium tires for nearly every vehicle including light trucks, SUVs, crossovers, sports cars, luxury cars and hybrids as well as commercial trucks.  Many of the tires are built in the United States at their state-of-the-art factory in White, Georgia. To find the right tire for your vehicle as well as an authorized dealer, visit www.toyotires.com.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.