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Meals on Wheels is the typical name for programs that deliver meals to homebound individuals who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals, and it is often used to generically refer to home-delivered meals programs, not all of which are actually named "Meals on Wheels."
History
Meals on Wheels originated in Great Britain during the Blitz, when many people lost their homes and therefore the ability to cook their own food. The Women's Volunteer Service for Civil Defense provided food for these people. The name "Meals on Wheels" derived from the Women's Volunteer Service for Civil Defense's related activity of bringing meals to servicemen. The concept of delivering meals to those unable to prepare their own evolved into the modern programs that deliver mostly to the homebound elderly.
The first home-delivered meal program in the United States started in 1954 in Philadelphia. Columbus and Rochester also pioneered Meals on Wheels in the U.S.
Modern programs
Today, Meals on Wheels programs generally operate at the county level or smaller. Programs vary widely in their size, service provided, organization, and funding. The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is a national clearinghouse for home-delivered meals programmes, but each program is entirely independent. There are also active Meals on Wheels programs in Canada.
Most Meals on Wheels programs deliver meals warm and ready-to-eat, but some programs deliver deep-frozen meals. Depending on the program, meals may be delivered by paid drivers or by volunteers. In addition to providing nutrition to sustain the health of a client, a meal delivery by a Meals on Wheels driver or volunteer also serves a safety check and source of companionship for the client.
Most clients of Meals on Wheels programs are elderly, and programs receiving federal funding may not serve people less than 60 years old. Federally funded programs may only request voluntary contributions from clients, while other programmes often charge a moderate fee for service. Regardless of their sources of funding, eligibility for most programmes is determined solely by medical need, with financial need and actual ability to pay not making a difference either way.
References and External links
- Meals On Wheels Association of America links to programs
- MealCall Directory of Meal Delivery & Congregate Meal Services - USA (by State)
- MealCall Directory of Meal Delivery & Congregate Meal Services - Canada (by Province)
See also
"Meals on Wheels"