Comstock's magazine 0919 - September 2019 | Page 102

CAPITAL REGION CARES
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
M eals O n W heels
A resource for all seniors.
M
eals on Wheels helps keep Sacramento County seniors in
their homes and communities by providing nutritious meals,
safety net services, social contact and community resources.
The organization serves seniors aged 60 and better regardless of
their income level.
“There’s a misconception that Meals on Wheels is income-
based,” says Kevin McAllister, executive director. “Our services
are available to all seniors who meet the age requirement and are
homebound due to illness, disability or other causes that prevent
them from leaving their home.”
The organization’s mission is to enhance the dignity and quality
of life of Sacramento County older adults through nutritional
programs and assessments of needs, supportive services, and
assistance to families and caregivers.
“Beyond our meal service, we’re enabling seniors to engage
with others and age in place,” says McAllister. “Many homebound,
isolated seniors need our daily visit, which also allows us to do
welfare checks and provide referrals to community resources if
needed.”
Meals on Wheels currently has 23 vehicles and 243 volunteer
drivers who cover about 2,600 miles a week delivering meals
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throughout Sacramento County. About 2,000 meals are served
every day. Meals on Wheels also has an AniMeals service that
provides pet food for homebound participants’ dogs and cats.
In addition to home-delivered meals, Meals on Wheels has 20
All Seasons Cafes located throughout Sacramento County, where
seniors just have to be 60 or better to enjoy lunch and meet others.
Cafe participants can choose to contribute $3 for lunch, but this is
never required.
“We would like to serve more seniors and have more All Seasons
Cafes,” says McAllister. “We’re also looking for ways to help at-risk
or homeless seniors connect with much needed services. Individual
donations can allow us to expand our services, so please help us
support our community’s seniors.”
MOWSAC.ORG