The first Meals on Wheels Program in the United States originated in Philadelphia in 1954. Margaret Toy, a social worker, and Sister Mary of the Felcian Sisters initiated the program to address the needs of seniors unable to leave their homes, making it challenging for them to shop and cook for themselves.
The Philadelphia program gained attention, inspiring the establishment of similar services nationwide. Public policy, such as the Older Americans Act of 1965, helped this expansion by providing funds for nutrition services, including home-delivered meals.
Since the adoption of the Meals on Wheels concept in Philadelphia, numerous local Meals on Wheels Programs have emerged, often organized through group efforts. In Clarion, churches and the nutrition department at Iowa Specialty Hospital coordinate volunteers, meal preparation, and delivery. While the program is not religiously affiliated, churches took the lead in social outreach during the 80s. It was normal for churches to take up volunteer efforts, they had a lot of willing hands.
The change in social circles since the 80s is obvious. This could be influenced by the rise of social media and evolving ways of communication. Church attendance has stagnated because of evolving social issues and advancements. This has resulted in fewer volunteers. In today's busier world, with fewer stay-at-home moms and packed children's schedules, finding time for volunteering has become increasingly challenging as well. Organized religion, while not necessarily "out of style," has seen a decline in popularity. This shift is not a broad statement from me; rather, it highlights why local churches are struggling with volunteer shortages for a longstanding and important program.
I attended the Meals on Wheels committee meeting in late October that aimed at addressing the lack of volunteers. Kelly Kirstein, parent, school board member, and member of the food access group in Wright County, shed light on these challenges. She highlighted the busy schedules of junior and senior students, who volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program for years. She shared that students are unable to miss classes, especially college classes. She also highlighted the associated liability concerns for schools allowing student volunteers.
Volunteers for Meals on Wheels play a crucial role in serving a diverse population, offering not just warm meals but also vital human connections to those lacking. Delivering meals is no doubt a valuable and rewarding experience.
I am also not suggesting there is a lack of want from potential volunteers. I am suggesting that there is a lack of free time felt across our society that maybe wasn’t as prominent when the program originated. With a lacking economy, people are working more and simply cannot take time off of work to be unpaid. It is a sad problem the program is facing in our social climate. Without volunteers, this program could very well be an occurrence of the past.
To address this, the committee is exploring innovative solutions, like involving the local workforce in volunteer efforts. The Clarion Development Alliance has already begun promoting this initiative on social media, as you might have seen. The Iowa Specialty Hospital has taken the initiative to cover the month of January 2024 to deliver meals to their own employees during working hours. Volunteering comes with the added benefit of a free lunch from the hospital, the same one that is delivered.
The Meals on Wheels program also ensures a lesser-known opportunity. Those who are able to leave their house can come to the hospital for a free meal, dependent on meeting other requirements. If you are curious about your own eligibility, you can email Nickie Hill at the Iowa Specialty Hospital at nichole.hill@iaspecialty.com. You can also reach out to any area church for more information.
The Meals on Wheels program, adapting to changing needs and demographics, stands as an important component of the social services network in our area. The invitation is extended to all: explore how you or the company you manage or work for, can contribute.
