In the past, meals were provided to Caledonia residents only. The funding will enable the Meals on Wheels Program to expand the service to more communities around North Queens, including Kempt, Maitland Bridge, West Caledonia, Westfield, North and South Brookfield, and Pleasant River.
The hot meals are prepared at North Queens Nursing Home. Dietitian Lisa Gallant says they were unable to expand the program in the past because of the cost of gas to volunteers.
“With the funding, we can offer a stipend to the drivers and with gas going up and up we can now recruit more volunteers.”
Currently, volunteers and nursing home staff provide about 10 meals a day, give or take one or two, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Gallant says they “anticipate” expanding the program to Monday and Wednesday each week, depending on demand.
The service provides “big, hardy meals” of, usually, she says, the nutritious hot meat and potatoes variety. The cost is only $3.50, including delivery.
“It’s definitely a good service for people who need it,” Gallant says. “There’s a focus on keeping seniors healthy and in their homes longer.”
In addition, she says, “Many are socially isolated. It’s not a long visit but at least they’re met at the door with a cheery hello to brighten their day too.”
She says the service is primarily offered to seniors although younger persons with physical or mental disabilities benefit as well.
They are in the process of recruiting more volunteers.
Sandra Carver, the Volunteer Coordinator for Meals on Wheels organizes the program. For more information on receiving the service or volunteering, contact Carver at 682- 2680.
Meals on Wheels expands in North Queens
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Published on
May 30, 2007
- Published on January 31, 2010
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Mark Roberts/The
By Mark Roberts THE ADVANCE NovaNewsNow.com North Queens Meals on Wheels Program has received funding from the Queens Community Health Board to expand the valuable service outside Caledonia.
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