Main photo: (from left) Barb Mooney (volunteer), Joy Lewis, Carol Oakes, Ernest Denomme, Eva Joiner, Evonne Woodcock, Elda Ball, Ken Fletcher, and Angela Barager (program coordinator) want everyone to know how helpful Meals on Wheels can be for those who need it
Illness and injury can make daily tasks of all kinds more difficult — simple act like popping over to the grocery store isn’t so easy. Add to that the need to eat well to hasten recuperation and suddenly that minor task takes on significant importance.
That’s where Meals on Wheels comes in. The service, which is administered by Muskoka Seniors, is open to anyone who for whatever reason can’t get to a grocery store easily on their own — it could be someone recuperating from an illness, injury or surgery, or someone with limited mobility who might find the chore difficult, particularly in the winter months.
“Some of our clients use it regularly, some only when they are recuperating from surgery or during the winter months when it’s more challenging to get out grocery shopping, and some use it during recovery from things like cancer treatments,” says Angela Barager, Program Coordinator at Muskoka Seniors. “Something that would impede their ability to make a meal for themselves.”
More than 5,000 frozen meals were delivered last year, more than in past years — there’s a definite need for the service, says Barager, adding that donations and volunteers are always welcome.
“I know how important this program is to our community. It enables independence and goes far beyond just the meal that is served. Dedicated volunteers are what enable us to make this program a success,” said Barager during a recent presentation at Muskoka Seniors Friendship Luncheon.
Anyone who wants to access the service just needs to complete an application form. Barager will walk through the online ordering process with them. “I try to learn what their routine is and their inventory,” she says. “Some order a week’s worth at a time, some order a few meals at a time to have on hand just in case. I touch base regularly to ensure they have what they need.”
A volunteer driver delivers the orders every Monday. Clients make their payments for the meals directly to him.
One of those clients is Elda Ball. The 85-year-old started using the Meals on Wheels service almost three years ago after she had been in the hospital and has continued using it for the convenience.
“The meals are very good and it’s so handy to have them. It’s a wonderful thing for me and my condition,” says Ball, who adds that she uses home oxygen. “It makes life a lot easier.”
Ball says she finds the meals affordable and can often make two meals out of one serving.
“I appreciate it so much,” says Ball. “It’s so nice to have it available and it’s great for me.”
For more information on the program, contact Muskoka Seniors at 705-789-6676 or visit muskokaseniors.org.
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I would like to point out the that this organization should not be confused with Huntsville Meals on Wheels, which delivers a hot meal to our clients as required Monday through Friday. I do not know why Huntsville Seniors use the same name as a nationally recognized organization.