KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 23, 2011) -- Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett hit the road with a Mobile Meals volunteer Wednesday to deliver meals to seniors in Knox County who depend on the program; for many Mobile Meals clients, program volunteers are the only people they see each day.

Mayor Burchett, along with 1,170 mayors across the nation, participated in the annual “March for Meals” event that recruits mayoral volunteers to run delivery routes for the day.  In all, Mayor Burchett visited about half a dozen Mobile Meals clients, all of whom welcomed him with wide smiles.

 “I’m honored to have been a part of Mobile Meals today, it really is a wonderful program,” Mayor Burchett said.  “I am grateful to all the volunteers who make the services possible on a daily basis, the work they do for our seniors is very important, and they need to know how much they’re appreciated.”

Mayor Burchett delivered meals Wednesday with Mobile Meals volunteer Mark Enloe, whose family has been volunteering for Mobile Meals for 14 years.  

“I believe Mobile Meals provides wonderful services to senior citizens,” Enloe said.  “It is a tradition in my family, as my wife and I participate weekly and my kids grew up volunteering in the organization.  It is so rewarding to meet with the individuals and realize you are making a difference.”

The Community Action Committee (CAC) also understands the importance of the program and realizes the government plays a large role in the services it provides.  

“The Mobile Meals program is government funded, so it is important that Knox County realizes how important it is to folks,” CAC Senior Nutrition Program Manager Paige Buchholz said.  “I was pleased to see Mayor Burchett volunteering for a program many citizens care very deeply about and appreciate his efforts of making Knox County a better place.”

Mobile Meals is a program designed to increase awareness of the needs of senior citizens in the community.  The main focus of the program centers on nutrition and wellness.   Mobile Meals serves approximately 850 meals each weekday, across 60 routes in Knox County.  The program is made possible by Knox County volunteers.

More information about Mobile Meals can be found at http://www.knoxcac.org/mobilemeals or by calling 865-524-2786.