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Volunteers help keep the meals mobile
Trumbull Mobile Meals Inc., 323 E. Market St., Warren, is a community-based service agency dedicated to providing a home-delivered meal service to Trumbull County residents who need it.
Background: Started in 1970 by Jean Schlecht and Pat Venetta, members of Trumbull County Medical Society Alliance. It began with one client and now serves about 280-plus clients.
Volunteers: About 350 volunteers assist the agency with some 50 volunteers packing and delivering meals Monday through Friday on 30 routes. The two meals are delivered at noon. Overall, volunteers donate about 75 hours a day and 375 hours a week. They tally about 84,000 miles a year.
Meals: The agency serves meals 260 days a year. That‘s 123,000-plus meals prepared, packaged and delivered annually. There is one cold and one hot meal; preparation is supervised by registered dietitians. Five meals are available — low fat, regular, bland, soft, diabetic and renal.
Available to: Clients must be Trumbull County residents. Clients have ranged from a 14-year-old to 101-year-old woman; there is no age restriction. Short- and long-term service is available.
Cost: Sliding scale according to income is used. Rates are reasonable. For example, the cost can be as low as $10 a week. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Information: 330-394-2538; website at www.trumbullmobilemeals.org or e-mail to director@trumbullmobilemeals.org.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
WARREN
Volunteers make Trumbull Mobile Meals run.
The community-service agency seeks to pump up its volunteer force of about 350 volunteers who pack and deliver to more than 280 clients in Trumbull County.
Through its Ministry of Meals (MOM), the agency hopes to engage clergy and church members. Trumbull Mobile Meals had a luncheon Tuesday at its headquarters, 323 E. Market St., to explain the program.
The idea is for clergy to talk to parishioners about forming a group from the church to volunteer; individuals also are welcome. Clergy also were asked to publicize the need for volunteers in church bulletins and newsletters.
Marjorie Dangaran, a volunteer for four years, offered a glimpse into how Trumbull Mobile Meals benefits clients and volunteers. For clients, she noted, the service provides meals, fulfilling the agency’s mission that “no one goes hungry” in the community. And volunteers can offer a “cheery hello” to someone who may be alone.
“Fellowship is shared by clients and volunteers,” she said.
“It’s a blessing in reverse,” Dangaran said, noting that the volunteer does more than drop off a meal. “Mr. A, Mrs. B. and Ms. C slip into a space in volunteers’ hearts,” she said.
Danagran said the MOM. acronym seems appropriate because both moms and ministries are nurturing.
Sandee Mathews, executive director, said mobile meals operates 30 routes in Trumbull County. “It’s easier to say where we don’t go ... Lordstown, Hubbard, Brookfield, Greene, Hartford and Kinsman.”
Mathews said a “lack of a volunteer network” prevents routes in those areas though there may be a need for meals there. It takes about 50 to 55 volunteers daily to operate the program.
Drivers must have valid licenses and current vehicle insurance. Food handlers follow a safety protocol. Trumbull Mobile Meals has a handbook of guidelines to help volunteers. It uses a caterer to prepare meals.
The Rev. Donna Maree, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Thomas Eisweirth, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church, attended the event. Both said some church members already volunteer with mobile meals, but both were willing to spread the word to promote the volunteer service.
“It’s a natural ... with the element of Christian faith of helping people,” said the Rev. Ms. Maree.
Father Eisweirth said mobile meals is a community-oriented volunteer effort that would appeal to church members.
Gussie and William Reed have been mobile-meals volunteers for about seven years. “He’s the driver, and I’m the runner,” she explained. “There’s such enjoyment about helping people. There’s also satisfaction knowing you’re doing something positive for someone who needs it."