Meals On Wheels of Goshen
Meals on Wheels provides dignity and independence through nutrition and socialization.
If you or someone you love is in need of services, please call 574-533-9680.
Eligibility requirements to be a recipient:
Homebound or a nutrition risk (can not operate a vehicle)
60 years or older
No eligibility participant is turned away because of an inability to pay.
As Meals on Wheels Director, I hear many heart wrenching stories, and it is an all too common situation that those who seek assistance through this program struggle financially. Many of our seniors are forced to juggle the costs of groceries, household, medication and medical expenses. Very often they scrimp on food purchases in order to meet the obligation of the other expenses. This just shouldn’t be.
Our Meals on Wheels program provides a nutritious noon-time meal Monday through Friday to seniors 60 or older who qualify but, sadly, that noon-time meal may be their only meal that day. Up until recently, our food vendor (The Window, Inc.) has provided these nutritious meals in Styrofoam clam shells, and along the way this has posed some issues. For instance, from time to time leakage would occur when the menu contained something juicy and during transportation the food would sometimes mix together. The containers were over-sized and difficult for the drivers to remove from the transport bag without spilling or mixing the food.
But, here is the good news. On January 26, 2016 we prepared the meals using our newly purchased heat vacuum tray sealer, and the response from our recipients has been overwhelmingly positive. The drivers and dispatchers are quite pleased as well, since the new packaging makes the meals much easier to handle. The environment conscious, will like knowing that the containers are recyclable, and the trays can be heated up in the oven or microwave. This allows our recipients the freedom to save their meals for a later date. This has definitely been a game changer in how our meals are presented, and I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Steven and Susan Schneider for donating the machine and startup costs. It is the generosity of those like Steven and his wife Susan that make it possible for us to continue to serve our seniors within the Goshen Community.
On April 22nd, 2013, The View, (a publication of The Window) sat down with three Meals on Wheels recipients and asked about their experience. All have mobility issues, medical problems, and are homebound. While Marilyn “Joan” Reith and Lloyd Miller allowed us to use their name and picture, a third client, referred to as “Esther,” chose to tell her story anonymously.
The View: Why did you decide to receive home-delivered meals?
"Esther": (I) was bedridden with no friends or family near.
Joan:I had six falls in 2011 due to overmedication (sic)...In December of that year, I fell forward...I laid (there) 13 hours. My grandson found me, a stroke."
Lloyd: My wife was in a lift chair. Since I was working 5 or 6 days a week (caring for his wife alone) one meal a day was very helpful.
The View: What other options were available to you if you could not receive meals at your home?
"Esther" (I) was not sure, might have had to stay in nursing home."
Lloyd: More runs to the grocery store and less attention to her care. She died (this) year.
The View: What do you hope to gain by receiving home delivered meals?
"Esther": being able to stay in my home
Joan: My two daughters said I wasn't eating balanced meals, they are all working and will be for some time. This is my way of eating to feel better.
Lloyd: More variety of food, often ideas of food I can make. Someone checking on me regularly.
The View: Is there anything else you would like to let us know?
"Esther": Thank you.
Joan: I appreciate this service so much. I eat every bite. Thank you and your volunteers.
Lloyd: I love and appreciate those ladies! (His volunteer delivery drivers)
Marilyn “Joan” Reith is a frugal shopper and creative heart. She plays piano and writes her own songs. Over the years she had collected many antiques, though she loves her knockoffs. “We bought that (one) at Hobby Lobby, my daughter and I. But it looked like an antique so we got it!”
Lloyd Miller is a kind jokester who believes that he is lucky to be alive. A few weeks ago, Lloyd took a fall which landed him in the hospital. After being admitted for also having influenza A, he suffered a stroke. However, he recovered completely within two days. “The doctors say nobody can do that, but I did.”
Almost all of our recipients are on fixed income through Social Security and/ or disability. Each meal is valued at $7.10, which will continue to rise with inflation. Coupled with the sequestrating of federal funds in March 2013, The Window is pinching every penny to ensure no eligible senior goes hungry.
Each recipient is asked to pay a portion of their meal. This "pledge" is individualized and dependent on how much income each Meals on Wheels recipient earns a month. For some, they are more than willing to pay for the whole cost. For others, they can only afford to give $5.00 a month because the rest must go towards their housing or prescriptions.
However, if no funding is found The Window will have no choice but to "stop the wheels" on this valuable community program.
You can help. We are looking for businesses, churches, service groups, or individuals who are willing to sponsor a senior who can not afford their meals. We were awarded NAP tax credits from IHCDA to be distributed to any individual who sponsors a senior. See their website for more information.