The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest membership organization supporting the national network of more than 5,000 Senior Nutrition Programs that operate in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The tireless work of these programs – supported by a dedicated army of 2 million volunteers – delivers a nutritious meal, a warm smile and a safety check that helps keep 2.5 million seniors healthy, safe and living independently in their own homes each year.
In Shreveport the Meals On Wheels is a service designed to help seniors maintain their independence as they face financial, physical, or emotional hardships. A hot meal designed to meet one-third of the daily requirements for seniors is delivered to the homes of seniors or those otherwise house-bound, who, due to frail health, are unable to shop and/or cook for themselves. In addition to the nutritional benefit, this program provides a daily wellness check for seniors.
Currently the Shreveport CADDO counsel delivers approximately 1,000 meals daily. The local chapter relies on volunteers to package and deliver meals, working with community organizations such as area churches. The North Shreveport area is supported by volunteers from St. Pius X, Church of Christ and Trinity Heights, just to name a few. The food is delivered to the church, and then volunteers deliver the meals to the homes.
Linda MacKinnon is our organizer here at Saint Pius. She is always in need of new volunteers, either as regular drivers or substitutes as needed, to deliver the approximately 8 meals daily in our area. The delivery time is approximately one half hour around noon. St. Pius’ days of delivery are Monday and Thursday. You only deliver once a month. Linda’s telephone number is (318) 393-3056.
Delivery volunteers provide feedback, and can alert Meals On Wheels if there is an issue, such as an injury, illness, or other non-emergency situation and they in turn can contact a family member or the appropriate authorities to follow up with the resident.
Daily hot meals delivered to the door by friendly staff members may be just enough support to enable someone to continue to live a productive life in the community.