By Amy Batista, Special Writer
EAST WINDSOR – Homebound seniors and residents had their meals delivered by Mayor Janice Mironov as part of the 14th annual “March for Meals,” sponsored by Meals on Wheels of Mercer County last week.
Meals on Wheels of Mercer County kicked off its annual program on March 1, part of a monthlong and nationwide campaign to raise public awareness of hunger among seniors.
“The Meals on Wheels program is an extraordinarily valuable means of supporting our seniors and homebound residents by not only delivering a hot meal daily, but also providing a safety check and important social interaction and support for these individuals all year round,” said Mayor Mironov. “We are grateful to the sponsoring organization and especially to the dedicated caring people who volunteer and enable this important service to our communities.”
This event is part of March for Meals’ special “Community Champions Week” and was held March 21-March 25. Meals on Wheels programs from across the country invited elected officials, local celebrities and other prominent figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels, according to a press release.
Mayor Mironov said that she participated on March 21, the first day of the weeklong Champions program.
“We are very excited about hosting so many elected officials and high profile, concerned citizens in our Champions Week deliveries,” said Sasa Olessi Montaño, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Mercer County in a press release. “This year we have returning U.S. Congresswoman, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and Mayor Bert Steinmann from Ewing, who have always been a great supporters. New this year are Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert and East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov.”
Meals on Wheels of Mercer County (formerly Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing) is a private, non-profit organization committed to providing nutritious meals and related services which are designed to promote the independence, dignity, health and wellbeing of our homebound customers.
The group delivers meals to homebound individuals in the Mercer County area with the help of a large group of committed volunteers. Customers may receive one hot meal and an additional cold meal per day, Monday through Friday (holidays are excluded). A limited number of weekend meals are also available to weekday meal recipients.
As a comprehensive nutrition program, Meals on Wheels of Mercer County also offers nutrition counseling and education, shelf-stable groceries once a month, “Blizzard Bags” during inclement weather, and pet food, according to its website.
“The services that we provide the seniors of Mercer County are critical and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Ms. Montaño. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”
Mayor Mironov joined local volunteers to deliver meals to program participants, to generate public awareness about senior hunger and isolation, to celebrate the invaluable services provided by the various meals on wheels programs, and to recruit new volunteers and support for the program, according to a township press release.
“I have been participating for approximately the past 10 years in ‘Mayors for Meals’ through the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey,” said Mayor Mironov. “That local program was transferred a few months ago from the Red Cross to the Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, along with the participant lists and volunteers. So this was the first time I have participated through this organization, but they clearly are very organized and experienced, and have dedicated area volunteers.”
The mayor said it was an opportunity for her to learn about how the program works and obtain a firsthand understanding about the many values of Meals on Wheels.
“It is most heartwarming to visit with local senior citizens and to have the opportunity to see firsthand the deep value of the program and the volunteers in, not just delivering a hot healthy meal, but in providing regular friendly personal contacts with our seniors in their own homes,” she said.
She said that the volunteers get to know the seniors they visit, and the seniors are visibly appreciative.
“The program offers an important support to seniors to enable them to age in place at home, to feel supported and cared about, and in many situations also provide some peace of mind to their families,” she said. “As a community and thinking about our own parents, I am confident that we all share a common concern to make sure that our seniors are looked after and cared about.”
Meals on Wheels program offers retirees and individuals whose schedule permits a satisfying way of volunteering, and seeing what a difference they can make in the lives of those served by the program, according to the mayor.
Meals on Wheels of Mercer County offers a comprehensive nutrition program committed to providing nutritious meals and related services which are designed to promote the independence, dignity, health and well-being of its homebound customers. Founded in 1973, it has served 50,000 a year to homebound individuals in our county, according to a press release.
“The Meals on Wheels ‘more than just a meal’ model addresses three of the biggest threats of aging: isolation, hunger and loss of independence,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander in a press release. “More than ever, we must join forces to meet the needs of the fastest growing population in America who want to be able to live at home for as long as they can. It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”
Meals on Wheels of Mercer County volunteers deliver meals Monday through Friday, helping homebound and elderly residents to maintain their independence, health and well-being through delivery of a meal by volunteers in East Windsor and other Mercer County communities. Individuals with mid-day availability can volunteer according to their availability to deliver meals to local seniors, according to a press release.
For more information regarding the Meals on Wheels program or to volunteer, contact Meals on Wheels of Mercer County at (609) 695-3483 or visit http://www.mowte.org.
