Grant seeks to connect veterans with Meals on Wheels
Volunteers will be needed to assist with efforts
Macomb County Veterans being discharged from the hospital will be welcomed home with a hearty meal, thanks to a grant from Meals on Wheels of America being given to the Macomb County Office of Senior Services.
“Good nutrition contributes to better outcomes and supports healing. We are so pleased to be given the opportunity to support those who served our country,” Sheila Cote, director of the county’s senior services office said in a news release
Cote said the additional funding will give volunteers with Meals on Wheels an opportunity to engage with veterans to promote recovery once they return home from the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit as early as next week.
Veterans who are Macomb County residents will be identified by the VA Medical Center staff and referred to Macomb County. Meal delivery will be arranged for a two-week period. If continuation of meals beyond two weeks is needed, the Veteran will be assessed for further service.
“There are more than 44,000 veterans in Macomb County, and we take great pride in serving them,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “This new grant gives our Office of Senior Services the opportunity to expand their reach with this program.”
Currently, the Office of Senior Services oversees 84 routes for the Meals on Wheels program, and each of those routes needs to be filled by a volunteer every day. This requires hundreds of volunteers to ensure all 1,700 seniors served by the program receive their meal.
However, it’s only possible through the efforts of volunteers and there is always a need for more help. Individuals interested in supporting the program can apply today through the Office of Senior Services at macombgov.org/ seniors (select “volunteer”).
Duties will include:
• Completing a new volunteer orientation
• Delivering meals two times per month along routes that take approximately 60 minutes to complete • Routes are driven Monday through Friday at lunchtime (generally delivered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
• Routes can be located close to a volunteer’s home or work
• Delivering holiday meals on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, while Emergency Preparedness Packs are delivered twice a year on Saturdays
• Volunteers must also pass a background check, have their own vehicle, a valid driver’s license and carry automobile insurance. Mileage reimbursement is offered.
Interested individuals can email volunteeer@macombgov.org.