Meals on Wheels campaign to begin.

The Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency will kick off its third annual “Keep the Wheels Rolling” fundraising campaign on Jan. 1.

Agency officials say rising costs, particularly for transportation, have increased the need for local support for the Meals on Wheels program that is administered by the agency in a area that includes Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford counties.

During the months of August and September, a lack of funding forced the agency to deny all new requests for meals, including those from seniors being released from nursing homes and hospitals.

Local businesses participating in the fundraising campaign will have blue Meals on Wheels plates available for $1, and gold plates for $5. Donations will be used to prevent another waiting list. All funds raised locally will be used locally to help seniors within the county.
Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in helping with the fundraiser, volunteering or marking a referral are urged to call Vi Brott at 947-3780 or 1-800-632-7334.

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious food for homebound seniors unable to prepare their own meals. Volunteers and staff also deliver smiles and kind words to frail and often isolated seniors. Meals are often delivered to the spouse or care giver of eligible homebound seniors, making it easier for those who provide 24-hour care. Ninety percent of Meals on Wheels clients report that meals help their effort to remain independent.

During the last fiscal year, Meals on Wheelers delivered 162,177 meals to 1,098 homebound seniors in the 5-county area.

To be eligible participants must be:

• 60 years of age or older, or the spouse of someone 60 or older.

• Unable to leave home under normal circumstances.

• Unable to prepared meals or obtain food.

• Unable to dine at senior luncheon centers.

A suggested contribution for eligible seniors is $2.50 per meal, and no one is denied service because of an inability to contribute. All donations are used to purchase additional meals and minimum the necessity for waiting lists.