ost people know that Meals on Wheels delivers meals to those unable to prepare their own meals. What people often don't realize is that the meal service could be of assistance to them or a family member.
The majority of clients are seniors, but increasingly there are younger clients. The common factor is a need for assistance with meals. Sometimes clients participate in the service on a short-term basis while they are convalescing and in other cases, it is on a longer-term basis due to illness or frailty. Whatever their reason, the result is improved health and independence. In Ottawa the Meals on Wheels program is called The King's Daughters Dinner Wagon.
A hot meal consisting of soup, a main course, dessert and fruit or a salad is delivered each day over the noon-hour from Monday to Friday. The cost of the meal is $4.20. There is also a weekly frozen meal delivery which contains either seven entrees or five entrees with five soups or desserts. The cost of the package is $25. All clients pay for their meals.
People often ask how such a substantial meal can be delivered at such a reasonable price. The main reason is that volunteers deliver the meals. The volunteers really enjoy their work because of the appreciation shown by the clients. Volunteers also take on many duties in the Meals on Wheels office.
There are in fact 640 volunteers working with the Ottawa Meals on Wheels program. Most volunteersdeliver once a week, every two weeks or monthly. Some volunteers take on the role of "spare" and help out when there is a cancellation. Each volunteer works with a Volunteer Coordinator to determine a suitable schedule.
A team of volunteers does the delivery: a driver and a server. Often individuals think they would like to deliver meals but do not volunteer because they do not have a car. This however is not a problem because servers are needed as well as drivers. New volunteers are always required. Orientation and training are provided.
Fund-raising and donations also help to make the meals affordable. The next major fund-raiser for Meals on Wheels in Ottawa is a duo piano benefit concert to be presented by Irene Woodburn Wright and Marlene Basarab. Anyone is welcome to come and enjoy this wonderful afternoon. It will be held at the Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Avenue on Sunday, November 5 at 2:30. Tickets are $15 regular admission or $10 for seniors and students.
Additional information on Meals on Wheels is available from the Meals on Wheels office at 233-2424 or on the web site www.mealsonwheels-ottawa.org. Remember Meals on Wheels is available if you need assistance and new volunteers and donors are always welcomed and needed. Whether you want to receive meals or deliver them, you're sure to find that Meals on Wheels provides a delicious and fulfilling service!