IN McKeesport Spring 2014 | Page 38

MEALS ON WHEELS C ity of Mc Keesport N ews cKeespor t By Annette James 36 McKeesport Area S taffed by volunteers, McKeesport’s Meals on Wheels program assists those who are elderly or frail and homebound, who cannot prepare nutritious meals for themselves. There is a minimal charge for this service, but it is much needed by so many individuals. The program originated in Great Britain during the Blitz when many people lost their homes, and also the ability to cook their own meals. The first home delivered meal program in the United States began in Philadelphia in January 1954 at the request of The Philadelphia Health and Welfare Council. Some of the tireless volunteers for McKeesport Meals on Wheels report to First United Methodist Church very early on weekday mornings to start cooking meals, while others report a bit later to pack the meals for delivery. Both a hot and a cold meal are delivered to about 100 clients each day by volunteer drivers. A typical delivery consists of a sandwich, fruit, and milk or juice for the cold meal, and an entrée, starch, vegetable or soup for the hot meal. Meals are prepared according to Allegheny County Health Department standards, and the cost for clients is about $20 per week. Where else can you get a week’s worth of home cooked meals for $20? There are even special standards that are met for diabetics. For some recipients, it’s their only line to the outside world. Some are shut-ins that look forward to a smiling face bringing them meals each day. For days when the weather is too bad for deliveries, a “blizzard bag” is delivered when extremely bad weather is expected. This helps tide over recipients until regular deliveries can be safely resumed. Rose Marshal is the site coordinator, and can be reached at 412.672.1998 if you would like to inquire about qualifying for the program. If you would like to volunteer, please call the same phone number. Tim Hrehocic is the volunteer coordinator for the program, and is always looking for new volunteers. You can choose to work 2 hours a week, or as many as all 5 days. The program in McKeesport, the largest in the area, has been in existence for the past 40 years, and has served countless individuals over the years. As Mr. Hrehocic says, they serve “good food to good people”.