Support Your Local Meals on Wheels

       We have just had a first round of deadly tornadoes in Texas. Six were killed and others are still missing in a quaint town called Granbury south of Fort Worth. I spoke to a good friend who lives there and was relieved to find she was not hit or hurt and was just that day delivering food to the needy through Meals on Wheels, an even more critical service during disasters.

       This life sustaining program gives aid to those who cannot cook for themselves, including those who are financially challenged, mentally ill or physically incapable, and our senior citizens are particularly vulnerable.

        Each day in America, senior citizens, in the hundreds of thousands, go hungry or are severely malnourished. Vulnerable to disease, disability, and escalating costs, seniors on fixed incomes often choose between buying food and medicine. Some are no longer physically able to shop and cook, and others live in remote areas with no help possible.

       The Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is a nationally networked program dedicated to helping men and women who are elderly, frail, disabled or housebound. The oldest and largest organization of its kind, it provides meals and nutritional services, and enhances lives by offering social and economic services.

       Under the direction of case managers, an army of caring and cheerful volunteers delivers nutritious meals to the homebound and reports any problems. Just as important, however, they offer the only human contact some of the participants ever have.

       Eligibility varies greatly, so it’s crucial to call your local program. Generally, consideration is given to those who have low-incomes, are in jeopardy of losing independence or reside in rural areas, but many programs consider only whether a person is homebound, unable to prepare a nutritious meal, and has no one else to do so.

       Dieticians tailor meals as necessary—diabetic, low sodium or fat, lactose free, and pureed. Religious/ethnic considerations are made and additional supplements are available. There are no mandatory costs and no one is denied service because of inability to pay, but contributions are encouraged.

          For general information, call Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116, visit the national organization at www.mowaa.org, or call 817-336-0912 to arrange local services, volunteer, and make donations.