BASA member delivers nutritious meals to area seniors
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Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), a proud member of the Bay Area Senior Advocates, (BASA), has operated the Meals on Wheels Program—serving Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford Counties since the 1970’s. The Meals on Wheels Program delivers food to homebound seniors unable to prepare a well-balanced meal. Compared to approximately 8,000 meals served in the early eighties, last year NMCAA served 193,410 Meals on Wheels to 1,224 seniors.
The Meals on Wheels Program enhances the lives of homebound individuals by providing nutritious meals, personal contact, and support. Bringing life-sustaining food to homebound seniors, these hot nutritious meals fight malnutrition, depression and a sense of isolation. Devoted and caring drivers also provide peace of mind for many family members unable to visit their loved ones regularly. For some seniors, the Meals on Wheels driver may be the only person they see during the day.
The Meals on Wheels Program is NOT just for “poverty cases.” They serve whenever there is a need. Some seniors may receive meals short-term following accidents or surgery. Others, with chronic problems, may stay on the program for the remainder of their lives.
Whenever possible, hot meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Frozen meals are available for those living outside the hot service area, or for weekend use. Each delivered meal contains a minimum of two ounces of meat or protein, two half cup servings of fruit or vegetable, bread, milk, and a fruit oriented dessert. Every meal meets approximately 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance for an adult male. The calorie count for a main meal usually varies between 600 to 800 calories. Some seniors also receive breakfast or evening meals.
The Meals on Wheels program is not an entitlement program. Toward the end of 2009 second meals were eliminated for most clients and potential new clients were put on a waiting list due to insufficient funding. Currently, NMCAA is able to provide meals for seniors that meet the eligibility requirements. Funding for the Meals on Wheels Program comes from a variety of sources: State Funds - 27%; Local Support - Mileages and Fundraising-23%; Client Donations – 20%; Federal Funds – 12%; Nutrition Service Incentive Program – 10%; Volunteer labor and donated mileage -4%; ARRA Funds (Stimulus) – 4%.
Anyone can make a referral to the Meals on Wheels Program for seniors in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee or Wexford Counties by phoning 947-3780 or 1-800-632-7334. For information on Meals on Wheels Program’s in other counties contact the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, your local Council or Commission on Aging, or search via the Eldercare Locator on the internet.
Submitted by:
Vi Brott, Meals on Wheels Director
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
3963 Three Mile Rd. N.
Traverse City, MI 49686