by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy volunteered to help deliver hot meals to 11 area clients on Wednesday, March 19, as part of the annual, local portion of the nation-wide Mayors for Meals initiative.
This annual campaign asked mayors to participate in the delivery of the hot – and frozen meals –that are brought to clients through the Meals on Wheels program. It helps provide an opportunity to get an understanding of just how important the Meals on Wheels program is to those 55 and over and those living with disabilities.
Locally, the Community Support Centre of Essex County coordinates the Meals on Wheels program. The meals are prepared at its Puce-based facility and they are delivered to clients in the Essex, Tecumseh, Belle River, and McGregor areas.
Hannah Haskell, Program Coordinator of Food Services for the Community Support Centre of Essex County, noted a typical Essex and area route has between 11 and 15 clients.
In all, the Community Support Centre of Essex County prepares 80-100 meals per day, five days a week. There are currently around 120 customers, depending on the Meals on Wheels program demand.
Hot meals are delivered to Essex and area clients three days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Frozen meals are available to clients for the off days and weekends.
Not only do the clients receive a meal, the delivery provides for a quick social interaction.
Around 200 volunteers are involved with the program and ensure the meals are delivered to those who need them, from those who help out in the kitchen to those who deliver.
Last week, Bondy met with volunteers at the former Essex Retirees’ Social Club. This has been the exchange spot for many years, where one set of volunteers drop-off the prepared food for the Essex and McGregor clients, and another set of volunteers picks them up and delivers them.
This was her third time participating in the annual initiative. She enjoys getting to meet the residents.
Bondy helped volunteers Al and Steph Janisse, whom she said were friendly people.
One thing that stuck out to Bondy was learning that some of the clients to whom they delivered were once volunteers of the program.
She thanked the volunteers for their effort. “It is a lot of work.”
The Community Support Centre of Essex County offers an array of programs, including congregate dining, adult day program, community food pantry, foot care, transportation, and home supports.
The Community Support Centre of Essex County can be reached by calling 519-728-1435.
Log onto www.communitysupportcentre.ca to learn more about the Meals on Wheels program.