Meals on Wheels officials feel there are more elderly and disabled clients in Hunterdon who could receive the catered lunches.
By: Linda Seida
Unlike some branches of Meals on Wheels across the country and even within the state, Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon Inc. does not have a waiting list.
In fact, the nonprofit organization is looking for more elderly or disabled to serve.
"We can certainly accommodate a lot more," said Susan Molnar, a part-time manager. "We just don’t have the participation that I think we could have."
Volunteer drivers and donations are always needed, too.
Forty-eight percent of Meals on Wheels programs in the state have waiting lists. In Hunterdon, funding and support from the community have helped prevent this, according to Executive Director Monica Strenk.
The nonprofit group, based in Quakertown, delivers a noon meal to people who have difficulty preparing their own meals. Sometimes, the difficulty arises as they recuperate from a hospital stay. Other times, age or infirmity plays a role. The meals help them maintain their independence.
The organization delivers a nutritious noon meal, prepared by a caterer, for under $5. If someone lacks the ability to pay, the organization still will deliver meals.
"We never turn anyone away based on whether they can pay," Ms. Strenk said.
Also available is a program of "congregate nutrition." At the Hibernia Apartments in Lambertville, a community meal is offered for people who are more mobile and who would benefit from the socialization aspect. Participants do not have to be residents of the Hibernia, Mrs. Molnar said.
About 235 meals are served in the county Monday through Friday, according to Ms. Strenk.
Locally, that figure drops to about 15 Tuesdays and Thursdays and between 30 and 35 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, according to Mrs. Molnar. Congregate meals at the Hibernia bring in about 10 seniors daily.
Sometimes, having a meal delivered can be a lifesaver in more ways than one. Not long ago, a driver delivering a meal found a senior in a diabetic coma.
"The EMTs told me later in the day that person would have died if someone hadn’t found them," Mrs. Molnar said.
"We never leave a meal unless we see the client," Ms. Strenk said.
It’s what the organization calls "an assurance check."
As people hustle and bustle through preparations for the holiday season, Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon hopes they will remember the senior citizens in their community who could use a helping hand with one of their most basic needs.
This year, as ever, donations would be welcome. So, too, would be more volunteers. Volunteers don’t have to have a lot of time to offer. Drivers are asked to deliver meals to the homebound just one day a month.
To inquire about the delivery of meals or to volunteer, phone Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon Inc. at (908) 735-8332.
To make a donation, checks may be made out to Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 358, Quakertown, N.J., 08868.