Meals on Wheels addresses 3 biggest threats of aging

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Kathy Esseniyi, president of Meals on Wheels of Mahoning County, describes the program “as an invaluable service” in the community.

A balloon launch Thursday morning at Watson and Tressel Wellness Center at Youngstown State University was designed to bring attention to the 14th annual March for Meals’ annual Community Champions Week. YSU athletes and mascots Pete and Penny participated.

“The meals are nutritionally good,” Esseniyi said, but emphasized: “It’s more than a meal though because it’s a connection for someone without family here or someone who may be somewhat isolated.” While volunteers deliver the meals, she said, they also provide an indirect service of checking on recipients’ welfare.

That echoed a statement from Ellie Hollander, Meals on Wheels America president and chief executive officer, who said, “Meals on Wheels’ “more than just a meal’ model addresses three of the biggest threats of aging: isolation, hunger and loss of independence.

Read more about this essential community service in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.