Client Spotlight: Meals on Wheels

Daughter, Melissa, first met Meals on Wheels staff about a year ago at a Health Fair held in the Crestview Community Center. Melissa is a teacher, a mother, and now, a caregiver for her mom. At the time she was overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for help. The agency's North County Supervisor, Anne Spies, assured her that we could help.

Several weeks later, Melissa and her mom stopped by the local Elder Services of Okaloosa County office located in Crestview. Anne walked them through the process step by step. The program then initiated meals for Ms. Welch Monday through Friday.

When asked how the meals had helped her mom, Melissa shared the following: "The impact Meals on Wheels on my mother's life has been incredible. It provides her with a reliable source of healthy, hot food and a meaningful moment of human connection each day. Seeing the smile, it puts on her face confirms that this service is about so much more than just a meal".

Meals on Wheels provide a hot, nutritious meal Monday through Friday to those in crisis. It not only encourages good nutritional choices, it also supports those experiencing the new role as caregivers. Volunteers do so much more than meal delivery; they provide a sense of security for our clients and their families with regular visits. We are blessed to have such loyal and caring individuals supporting our program.

Our local Meals on Wheels program receives no federal or state funds. We are supported by the Emerald Coast United Way, churches, organizations, and individual contributions. All donations are used to expand the program to serve vulnerable, at-risk individuals suffering from food insecurity. The elderly population is the fastest growing demographic in the United States, but funding for aging programs is woefully inadequate to address their increasing demand for services.

For more information about this critical program, contact your local Elder Services of Okaloosa County.

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