Summary: Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties support the community by providing meals to homebound individuals who are nutritionally at risk. Up until about a year ago, the program was self-sustaining. Due to funding cuts and rising costs of food and fuel, Meals on Wheels is reaching out for community support to continue services.
The world continues to move forward, even when illness, age, recovery from surgery or disability stop life in its tracks. During these times, its important that nutrition and diet are managed to support bodily changes or recovery.
These conditions can threaten a persons independence, resulting in the need for a long-term care facility. A best case scenario, however, would be to keep people in their homes as long as possible. Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties contribute to this self-sufficiency.
In fact, when the world keeps moving forward, Meals on Wheels slow it down for their clients. The organization provides healthy meals to individuals of all ages, who are not able to prepare meals themselves.
In addition to the meals, the clients also benefit from the social interaction. In some cases, those who deliver the meals are the only people to see the clients each day. Another benefit is that the clients are checked on when the meals are delivered. If someone doesnt answer the door, Meals on Wheels has a protocol to assure safety.
I think bottom line is we are here to support any age group that is homebound and nutritionally at risk, said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.
All of the meals are low sodium and low fat. The program also accommodates diabetic diets and those with other dietary needs. Pureed meals and liquid supplements are available. Recipients are expected to make a contribution toward the cost of each meal. More information on these services can be found at www.mow-starkwayne.org or by calling 1-800-466-8010.
Further, Meals on Wheels has been an organization for approximately 38 years and self-sustaining until about one year ago. The agency has been reaching out to the community for support, and expects a $220,000 loss at the end of this fiscal year. Due to cuts in government funding and the increasing costs of fuel and food, they are now depending on the help of the community.
Community members can assist by attending fundraising events, donating or volunteering. Drivers are always helpful to the agency. Del and Shirley Hackett have been volunteering for about 12 years for the Wooster site. After retiring, they thought it would be an effective way to give back.
We like talking to the people and we think we are providing a service because a lot of those people, thats the only contact they have some days, said Del Hackett.
Gerry Payn typically delivers 22 meals on a route, and works for the Wooster site. He began volunteering in 1998 because his father also volunteeredit seemed natural to him. Payn said he likes the feeling the work provides.
Additionally, Meals on Wheels will be co-hosting a dinner and auction fundraiser with Shared Blessings on Friday, Nov. 9, at Glenmoor Country Club in Canton. Information and registration for the event can be found at www.mowmainevent.org.
One thing, in regard to the event were having, too, is weve been very fortunate that people from the community who have a real giving and caring spirit have stepped forward to help us organize this. Thats encouraging thats been a big boost for us. There obviously are people out there who are interested in helping us and we need to just keep identifying those folks, said Tom Delamater, public relations administrator for Meals on Wheels.
Both Delamater and Barry spoke of the difference between Stark and Wayne Counties. They said they would like to create more awareness, as there are far fewer individuals in Wayne County utilizing the services. Meals on Wheels has sites in Shreve, Orrville, Rittman, Wooster, and the agency can reach all of Wayne County through the four locations.
