“We feel that the area needs [the Meals on Wheels] program and there are many individuals who either don’t know about it or haven’t signed up yet,” says John McCaig, the new chair of Huntsville’s Meals on Wheels.
McCaig took over from former chair Diane Litchfield whose mother was one of the founding members of the non-profit organization that has been part of the Huntsville community since the 1970s. McCaig has also volunteered for many organizations in Muskoka including the Huntsville Hospice board and Probus.
One of the biggest draws to the program is that the meals are always hot and made the same day as delivery. Therefore, no preparation is needed for people who are no longer very mobile.
“Frozen meals serve a great purpose in our community but some people require something more frequent as well as being checked in on daily by our volunteers,” says McCaig.
Another advantage is that the affordable, ready-to-eat meals can be safer for seniors with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or those just losing their memory—a frozen meal can be forgotten about in the microwave or oven or could be cooked for way too long, posing a fire hazard.
Meals on Wheels Huntsville delivers five days a week. On Fridays, an extra meal can be delivered to save for the weekend. Many individuals even save part of their daily meal for dinner or snacks as they are quite big.
Each meal includes a soup or salad; meat, fish or poultry; a vegetable and a starch like potatoes, pasta or rice; a tea biscuit or muffin; and dessert.
Volunteers always check in on the clients and are a nice, friendly face for those feeling isolated or lonely.
“I think it’s the perfect gift for young people to gift to their parents or grandparents,” says McCaig. “They’re reasonably priced, tasty and made every day at the hospital with the help of a dietitian who plans the meals. Meals are customizable, if someone has an allergy, sensitivity or even just doesn’t like something we are always able to accommodate.”
The Meals on Wheels program is always welcoming new clients and is happy to deliver within 10 kilometres of the town of Huntsville.
While the majority of recipients are seniors, people of any age can receive meals. For example, other Meals on Wheels clients are people with disabilities or veterans.
Once an individual is added as a client, the organization sends someone on the board to interview them about what instructions are needed when delivering their meals, as well as to discuss what they like and don’t like. For example, some people want the meal left right at the door but others love the volunteers to come in for a chat.
As the organization is 100 per cent volunteer run, they are always needing more volunteers to help pick up and deliver meals. McCaig says it’s a perfect position for retired people who like living an active life and want to give back to the seniors in their community. Mileage is always reimbursed.
“It’s a really interesting role because you get to meet so many interesting people and hear their stories,” says McCaig.
If you are interested in receiving meals. please call 705-789-5681.
If you would like to volunteer for Meals on Wheels, call 705-635-3216.
Meals on Wheels is a province-wide organization and is partly subsidized by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
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Congratulations on this long service in Huntsvile.
My husband and I have been involved for many years with MOW in London ,celebrating 50yr this month .
Perhaps next summer we could help here with deliveries as we spend the summer here on LOB.