Monroe County’s Meals On Wheels is a non-profit organization that is mainly volunteer-driven with many sponsors and connections. Started in October of 1972, they work to provide the nutritional needs of homebound individuals and ensure that they can stay safe while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Executive Director, Alyssa Koeck, shared the program’s growth. During their first opening, only ten clients were served. Now, they serve an average of 325 clients every month with over 550 clients in the last year, hoping to further increase numbers in the future.
Many share the misconception that the Meals On Wheels program only provides meals exclusively to seniors. However, the truth is that anyone 18 or older who is unable to prepare their meals due to physical or mental limitations can benefit from the program. Additionally, Meals On Wheels offers a pet food program, distributes household essentials, and gives gifts on birthdays and other special occasions.
Prepared meals come from the Northeast Pennsylvania Meals On Wheels organization in Scranton which is about an hour or more from their current location. The clients are given 14 meals a week where they can opt for daily meals or frozen meals. In addition, dietary considerations are made for individuals with special needs so prepared meals can meet the client’s needs.
Over 200 volunteers help deliver balanced meals while also providing daily human connections to homebound individuals throughout Monroe County. Many Stroudsburg High School students volunteer through their Community Connections Club. SHS club advisers, Sherie McIntyre and Heather Nowosad organize student helpers regularly to help the organization meet community demands.
Delivery preparations begin at 10:00 a.m. as drivers get set to deliver meals using their own personal cars, fuel, and time.
“Volunteers love getting to know the clients and brightening their days – many say the best part is the conversations they have with the clients on their route.”
— Executive director, Koeck.
If you want to make a difference in the lives of those in need, consider supporting Meals On Wheels today.
Volunteering just a few hours a week can make a difference in someone’s life and brighten their day. However, volunteers must be 18 or older to deliver meals. An application is necessary, so be sure to have information readily available for a background check. For more details and guidelines, refer to their website at https://monroemeals.org.
There are many other ways to support Meals on Wheels such as hosting a pet food drive or a client-needs pantry drive or sending a monetary donation.
