Meals on Wheels: The Positive Impacts of
Food Delivery
March 8, 2024
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Meals on Wheels is a program that addresses hunger and isolation among older adults through a home-delivered meal service. According to mealsonwheelsamerica.org, about 10 million older adults are threatened by or experience hunger and are at a higher risk of malnutrition. At Senior Services Plus, we help combat this issue through our Meals on Wheels program by utilizing a registered dietitian to approve all meals. Then, meals are prepped and packaged on site by SSP nutrition staff and are delivered weekly by our dedicated drivers.
This program is a huge step in addressing food insecurity in older adults. However, at SSP, we see Meals on Wheels as something larger than simply food delivery. Meals on Wheels America states that about 24% of adults above 60 live alone, and that number is only expected to increase as the older adult population grows. This creates an issue of isolation for many adults who live alone and are unable to leave their houses. For some clients, the driver who delivers their meals is the only social interaction they receive in a day, and sometimes even within a week. When SSP delivery drivers run their weekly routes, not only are they delivering a supply of delicious food, but also a warm smile and a friendly conversation that lifts the spirits of our clients.
Take, for example, SSP's long-time driver, Cornelious "Corn" Elliott. He had been delivering Meals on Wheels for over 10 years and feels rewarded for providing to clients. "People look up to you for doing good," says Corn, "It makes me feel good to know that people can depend on me." The impact Corn and other drivers leave on the community can be long-lasting, as he notes that the drivers may be the only people clients are able to see in their entire day.
Another long time SSP employee, Joe Wyatt, has also been delivering meals for over 10 years. Joe enjoys meeting new people on his routes each week and feels he positively impacts his community by delivering food to those in need.
Out of all the delivery drivers that work or volunteer at SSP, Joe and Corn are a few of many who touch the lives of our clients.
Not only do our drivers provide positive social interactions, but they also assist in times of need. In one instance, Corn found that one of his clients had fallen, so he promptly called 911 to ensure they got the proper help and care. Additionally, Corn will ask clients how they are feeling and take note if a concerning issue arises. This is especially important to clients who live alone and may not be able to access help. It is because of drivers like Corn and Joe that Meals on Wheels clients are fed properly, experience social interaction, and sometimes, even receive life-saving attention.
SSP serves Meals on Wheels clients throughout Madison and St. Clair counties. Many clients are considered homebound, so it is without a doubt that there are many adults in our community who benefit from the nutritional and social benefits of the program. SSP values every client that receives our meals, and it shows in the compassion and dedication that our drivers exhibit each week.
If you or a loved one would like to start receiving Meals on Wheels, please call the Southern Illinois Visiting Nurses Association (SIVNA) at 618-236-5863 to schedule an in-home assessment. If approved, there is no cost for older adults to start receiving meals. Private pay meals are also available for anyone who may not meet the qualifications through SIVNA but is still in need of delivered meals.
For more information regarding SSP's Meals on Wheels services, please visit seniorservicesplus.org/meals-on-wheels.
Senior Services Plus, Inc.
Senior Services Plus (SSP) is committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable environments for all. With open arms, we strive to foster a sense of belonging where everyone is valued. As a board, as a staff, and as volunteers we welcome the contributions and participation of all people. We recognize and celebrate that everyone has unique abilities, needs, and experiences and we acknowledge the important of diversity in all its forms. SSP is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment, equity of opportunity, and impartiality in access to information and resources for all. SSP is actively engaged in identifying and dismantling racist and oppressive behaviors, policies, and practices to advance justice and create a more inclusive and equitable society.