As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, we can easily take for granted the food we will enjoy and the fellowship we will share with our family and friends. However, for many homebound seniors in our community, daily visits by Meals on Wheels volunteers bring a smiling face and a hot meal throughout the year.
As volunteers make their rounds throughout Rowan County, at each stop a knock at the door is quickly followed by an announcement of “I’m with Meals on Wheels and I have your lunch.”
Since most Meals on Wheels clients live alone, the visit may be a safety check that identifies a need for help, brings the only person they will see that day or offers the only hot meal they may eat until the following day’s visit.
Meals on Wheels of Rowan, a United Way member agency, works throughout the year to provide food and fellowship to hundreds of our county’s senior adults.
Through its annual campaign, United Way raises money in Rowan County to support local organizations like Meals on Wheels that are impacting needs in our community. Each year since 1976, a portion of United Way contributions have supported the efforts of Meals on Wheels.
Every week, Monday through Friday, volunteers hit the streets delivering nearly 200 meals each day. Volunteers often go above and beyond just delivering meals. They may bring in the newspaper, take out the trash or turn on a light. Many times, volunteers spend time talking to the meal recipient, offering much more than just food.
Rita Sims, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Rowan, said the agency provides over 50,000 meals per year in Rowan County. “United Way funding helps Meals on Wheels accomplish our mission of providing a meal and friendly visit to the homebound of Rowan County, so that no senior goes hungry.
“Anyone can make a referral to Meals on Wheels, but many come from doctors’ offices because they find their patients are not eating even one nutritious meal on a daily basis,” she said. “In many cases, it isn’t that they do not want to eat, but that they do not have food available or they are unable to prepare meals for themselves.”
Even though the United Way campaign is winding down, people can still contribute and support local agencies like Meals on Wheels.
Sims said, “When you are considering your United Way contribution, please remember that a portion of your dollars go to help assure Meals on Wheels clients can continue to receive a daily, nutritious meal, a friendly visit, and safety check by one of our volunteers.”
Jeff Schall serves on the board of directors for Meals on Wheels of Rowan, Inc.