Meals on Wheels provides ‘invaluable service’
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.
“The services that we provide the seniors of the Mahoning area are critical and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Linda Jenkins, program director of Meals on Wheels of Mahoning County. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”
Meals on Wheels America has led the annual awareness campaign since 2002 in an effort to fill the gap between the seniors served and those in need. The organization noted that there is an increased demand with an aging population combined with declining public and private resources, and rising food, transportation and operational costs.
Esseniyi said the Mahoning Country program serves 105 people with meals delivered Mondays through Fridays. “There is no age requirement, there just must be a need,” she said, adding many clients are senior citizens. People often sign up for the service because of health, age or other circumstances, Esseniyi said.
The organization receives no government funding, she said, noting “we’re self-sufficient.” The cost is $7.25 a meal.
Esseniyi said the March for Meals observance provides publicity about the program to potential recipients and notes its need for volunteers. “We always need volunteers,” she said. Currently the organization has about 35 volunteers.
The Meals on Wheels program operates out of a kitchen it built at Calvary Towers, 1840 Market St., next to its previous site at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 1806 Market St. The church, which closed in 2013, was bought by Community Corrections Association.
Meals on Wheels began operating at John Knox in 1979 when the project came from the former St. Luke Lutheran Church. Esseniyi has been involved since 2008 and is a former John Knox deacon.
For information on Meals on Wheels in the Valley, visit www.marchformeals.com or call 330-744-3583. For information on Meals on Wheels America, the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.