In its ongoing commitment to support healthy communities, Waste Management announced that the company is donating $20,000 to Simi Valley’s Meals on Wheels program. Since 1974, Meals on Wheels has been providing elderly and disabled Ventura County residents with nutritionally balanced hot lunch meals for little or no charge.

"As Simi Valley’s disposal provider, Waste Management has always been dedicated to serving our community in a variety of ways, " said Scott Tignac, District Manager for Waste Management. "We are happy to do our part to enhance the quality of life for all of our neighbors."

"We are so pleased to have Waste Management as a partner in our effort to provide services to the elderly in Simi Valley," said Ventura County Supervisor Judy Mikels. "As budget cuts have hit every part of government in the last couple of years, the Meals on Wheels program is transitioning from a county run to a city run program. My office has been working on involving the private sector for the past two years to ensure this vital program can be maintained in our community."

For those who cannot shop, drive, cook or clean because of age, infirmity or recuperation from a recent hospitalization, Simi Valley’s Meals on Wheels provides nourishment and the opportunity for its recipients to remain in their own homes. For the past 30 years, volunteers have spent mornings cooking, preparing and packaging hot midday meals to be delivered by other volunteers to the homes of people in need. The program’s existence and success is a result of active volunteer involvement and outside financial contributions.

"We hope our partnership with Simi Valley can shed light on this vital program and more importantly, we hope to encourage corporate giving," said Mike Smith, Ventura market area manager for Waste Management. "Some of our neighbors need an extra helping hand and, as part of the community, we are proud to help."

Mikels and Waste Management representatives made a presentation at the Simi Valley City Council meeting on Mon., March 21.