A number of local celebrities and organizations joined Meals on Wheels to act as Community Champions to help with deliveries during its annual March for Meals celebration March 24.

Racing legend Mario Andretti, Lehigh Valley Rollergirls, political leaders, staff members and committed volunteers gathered briefly at the Northampton County distribution site on Fritch Drive and dispersed in a caravan to deliver about 2,200 nutritious and medically tailored meals to seniors and adults with disabilities.

This year marks the 16th year of the March For Meals initiative. March for Meals commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older.

Since 2002, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country have joined forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the support needed to fill the gap between the seniors and adults with disabilities served and those still in need.