MealsOnWheels

The past fiscal year brought unprecedented growth to the Meals on Wheels program.  Halfway through this year, we’re serving more than 1,500 homebound or elderly individuals, an 11% increase above last year.  And we provided 18% more meals that meet the numerous dietary requirements needed to keep these neighbors independent and in good health.  With the economic downturn and the aging of our population, we anticipate even more growth in the days to come.  We’re planning ahead now so we can meet the need in the days and years to come. 

The past fiscal year brought unprecedented growth to the Meals on Wheels program.  Halfway through this year, we’re serving more than 1,500 homebound or elderly individuals, an 11% increase above last year.  And we provided 18% more meals that meet the numerous dietary requirements needed to keep these neighbors independent and in good health.  With the economic downturn and the aging of our population, we anticipate even more growth in the days to come.  We’re planning ahead now so we can meet the need in the days and years to come. 

Meals on Wheels provides more than meals; we also provide a connection with the outside community, a daily “check-in” to ensure client safety and well-being, and essential services.  During the warm months, we’re assessing each person’s ability to “beat the heat.”  If someone needs assistance to stay cool, we secure fans or even air conditioners to keep homes at the proper temperature level to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. We remember our clients on their birthdays and recognize them on special holidays, because many of them do not have family or friends nearby with whom they can celebrate.  At Meals on Wheels, we focus not just on quantity, or getting people enough nutrients to survive, we also focus on quality, by improving the quality of life.  With our assistance,  those we serve can thrive and continue to contribute to our community. 

Meals on Wheels provides more than meals; we also provide a connection with the outside community, a daily “check-in” to ensure client safety and well-being, and essential services.  During the warm months, we’re assessing each person’s ability to “beat the heat.”  If someone needs assistance to stay cool, we secure fans or even air conditioners to keep homes at the proper temperature level to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. We remember our clients on their birthdays and recognize them on special holidays, because many of them do not have family or friends nearby with whom they can celebrate.  At Meals on Wheels, we focus not just on quantity, or getting people enough nutrients to survive, we also focus on quality, by improving the quality of life.  With our assistance,  those we serve can thrive and continue to contribute to our community. 

Providing essential food and other crucial services to so many deserving people takes many helpful and caring volunteers.  Each day, 15-25 volunteers help prepare and package meals in our Community Kitchen so that 170 others can deliver them to the homes of senior citizens and homebound adults.   This team effort results in an invaluable service to some of our region’s most vulnerable people.  Whether they’re living on fixed incomes or recovering from hospitalization, Meals on Wheels recipients deserve adequate nutrition, security, safe and comfort—ensured by a visit from the friendly face and kind words of someone who cares. 

Providing essential food and other crucial services to so many deserving people takes many helpful and caring volunteers.  Each day, 15-25 volunteers help prepare and package meals in our Community Kitchen so that 170 others can deliver them to the homes of senior citizens and homebound adults.   This team effort results in an invaluable service to some of our region’s most vulnerable people.  Whether they’re living on fixed incomes or recovering from hospitalization, Meals on Wheels recipients deserve adequate nutrition, security, safe and comfort—ensured by a visit from the friendly face and kind words of someone who cares.