Meals on Wheels celebrating March for Meals, seeking new volunteers
Sarah likes the meatloaf. Charles looks forward to the fish on Fridays. The two join hundreds of area residents who enjoy having food brought to their homes thanks to Meals on Wheels.
Monday, Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram worked with Stephanie Hughes and Ghadir Amin, representatives from LifeCare Alliance (the Columbus-based umbrella organization that covers Meals on Wheels in Central Ohio), to deliver meals to residents in Russells Point and Lakeview.
They hope to bring attention to the need for more volunteers as part of March for Meals.
“We’re looking for someone interested in giving back,” Hughes said. “It could be once a month, once a week or more. It’s totally up to your schedule.”
March for Meals also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, federal legislation that put the funding for feeding senior citizens in place, which led to Meals on Wheels. Two years ago, the organization served 223 million meals to 2.4 million Americans, but that number has grown significantly due to the pandemic.
They need more help. Participating in Meals on Wheels takes about an hour and a half. More than just providing homebound individuals with a good, nutritious meal, volunteers give seniors a chance to see a friendly face. You might even be the only person they talk to that day.
On top of that, Meals on Wheels volunteers serve as a wellness check to people who often live alone and don’t have someone watching out for them. To the point where some volunteers have saved lives.
“Most of the clients are not mobile and find it impossible to eat at restaurants or shop for the necessary ingredients,” Antram said. “(This program) helps people stay in their homes where they want to be, instead of needing to go to a facility.”
To learn how you or your company can get involved, visit the Meals on Wheels website at mealsonwheelsamerica.org.