This Friday, the Kenai Senior Connection is holding its sixth annual March for Meals fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program.

The event, which takes place at the Kenai Senior Center, starts at 6:00 p.m. Friday. Tickets cost $30 and include a barbecue chicken and rib dinner.

The evening will also include a split the pot drawing, silent auction and balloon prizes. Pies donated by organizations and people from around the community will also be auctioned off.

In years past, pies have sold for up to $500, said Rachael Craig, director of the Kenai Senior Center.

All proceeds from the event go to support the program.

Meals on Wheels is a national program used to provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

“Meals on Wheels is very important to our community, because our home meal clients are some of the frailest seniors in the community,” said Craig.

She said the program is vital because the Kenai Peninsula has one of the largest senior populations in Alaska.

Craig said last year alone, the program served approximately 21,000 meals to seniors in the Kenai area. She said there are about 150 seniors who receive meals.

A typical meal consists of a protein, two types of vegetables, a starch and a dessert.

By providing meals, Craig said seniors can have more freedom to be where they want.

“[The seniors] can stay in their home, because that’s what our seniors want to do is to stay in the community as long as possible,” she said.

Aside from providing food, the Meals on Wheels program has other benefits.

Craig said the program’s three drivers are able to interact with the seniors.

“A lot of times, our meals driver is the only person our homebound meals person sees during the day, so they’re able to bring a smile to them,” she said.

Craig said the drivers don’t just deliver food and leave, they check on the needs of the seniors.

“They’re able to go into their home and see what other needs they may have,” she said. “We’re good eyes and ears for that person.

Carol Bannock, activities and volunteer coordinator for the Kenai Senior Center, said that the Meals on Wheels program is one of the programs she holds most dear.

“It’s an excellent program, and I would just encourage anyone to support it any way they’re able to,” Bannock said.

Reach Ian Foley at Ian.foley@peninsulaclarion.com