Sponsored

Meals on Wheels and United Way of Central Alabama. Photo courtesy of United Way of Central Alabama

Meals on Wheels works diligently to serve homebound seniors throughout Jefferson County by delivering hot meals and providing safety checks five days a week to qualified individuals who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare meals for themselves.

This life-changing service, which is a program of United Way of Central Alabama, would not be possible without the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers who actually deliver the meals. Sign up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

Addressing the needs of home bound seniors

Two people volunteer in the Meals on Wheels kitchen — Meals on Wheels in Jefferson County. Photo courtesy of United Way of Central Alabama

Meals on Wheels helps aging residents live independently in their own homes as long as possible. These seniors are generally able to take care of themselves and want to live on their own, but may no longer drive, have access to transportation or have a friend or relative who can provide food for them on a consistent basis.

Food insecurity and social isolation are major issues affecting many seniors. Statistics show that approximately one out of 12 people age 60 and older are food-insecure at some point during the year.

The impact of volunteers at Meals on Wheels

“If we didn’t have volunteers, we couldn’t operate the program,” said Becky Wright, Director of Meals on Wheels of Central Alabama. With only a few people on staff–and the size of the task at hand, this program is made possible only with the help of a highly reliable force of volunteers that now totals more than 800.

But even more volunteers are needed. Meals on Wheels delivered more than 231,000 meals in Jefferson County in the past year alone to more than 1,100 homebound seniors. And they get about 100 calls per month from people asking to be added to the list of daily deliveries. Increasing service requires additional help. Sign up to volunteer.

Radically improving the lives of those in need

Loading containers to keep the meals warm while in route to clients — Meals on Wheels in Jefferson County. Photo courtesy of United Way of Central Alabama

It’s important to realize that the success of Meals on Wheels goes beyond the nutritional component of the meal itself. Providing daily contact with other individuals is an added benefit of the program to its recipients.

Unfortunately, many homebound seniors do not have family nearby who can check on them on a regular basis.

But clients know that they can always count on a knock at the door around noon and a smiling volunteer who can check on their needs, make sure that they’re safe, and offer a little friendly conversation.

“I look forward to the meals and to the people. They’re the nicest people, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Frances Glidewell, recipient

Make a difference with Meals on Wheels

Two volunteers sit with a Meals on Wheels recipient — Meals on Wheels in Jefferson County. Photo via United Way of Central Alabama

An act of service by one person can positively change the life of another in our community. Volunteering with United Way Meals on Wheels is one way to make a big difference. Sign up today and begin championing the needs of homebound seniors in Jefferson County.

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