Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

COLUMBUS—Meals on Wheels, a vital food delivery service to homebound seniors that operates out of the Polk County Senior Center, has seen an increase in demand following the recent storm. As community needs increase, the program seeks more volunteers and donations to help meet the rising requirements in various roles, including driving routes.

“On a typical day, we send out between 140 to 145 meals from Monday through Friday,” said Gail Dyer, Polk County Health & Human Services’ nutrition coordinator. “However, we’ve recently seen an increase in calls, and we’re now preparing approximately 155 to 160 meals daily.”

The meals are prepared at the Meeting Place, located at 79 Carmel Lane, which requires a team of volunteers to help pack and deliver the food.

To be eligible for the Meals on Wheels program, individuals must be homebound due to age, disability, or illness and generally be 60 or older. They should also be unable to prepare meals or obtain food, unable to dine at a Senior Luncheon Center, and have no one available to prepare all meals for them.

Participation in the program also requires availability for in-home assessments. Interested individuals can apply by contacting the local Meals on Wheels program and submitting an application.

New volunteers must contact the organization directly to schedule a ride-along and learn the delivery routes. There are also volunteer opportunities to pack meals and help with the Senior Games.

“We are always in need of volunteers, especially since we’ve had to create new routes in areas like Saluda,” said Dyer.

The program also has several upcoming fundraising events planned to support its operations.

“We are in the works for various fundraisers, including a biscuit sale,” she mentioned, noting that specific dates are yet to be finalized. “We also encourage donations, which greatly assist us during special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

While Meals on Wheels receives some funding from the county and state, local donations are crucial for maintaining the program’s flexibility and ability to serve a growing number of people.

“It’s important for our community to know that we appreciate any help they can provide, whether it’s volunteering time or donating,” Dyer emphasized.

To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit the Meeting Place website and its Facebook page, where updates about events and services are regularly posted. Your support could make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on this essential service.