FOOD & FRIENDS: The Meals-on-Wheels & Senior Meals Program
by: Jon Pfefferle, Nutrition Program Director & Kathryn Zentgraf, Volunteer Coordinator
Since 2001, Food & Friends has strived to cultivate an equitable approach to improving the health, well-being, and independence of older adults and adults with disabilities through nutrition services, meaningful social connections, and opportunities for education. As the only Meals on Wheels Program in Jackson and Josephine Counties, our volunteers proudly serve approximately 18,000 meals a month to older adults and adults with disabilities who cannot shop or cook for themselves due to illness, injury, or disability. In addition to a hot, nutritious meal, Food & Friends volunteers also provide social contact and a vital safety check.
In addition to the Meals on Wheels Program, Food & Friends also leads the Senior Meals Program, which provides a daily hot lunch to older adults at 10 dining center locations across Jackson and Josephine Counties. Eating at one of these locations provides older adults the opportunity to have a nutritious lunch while socializing with their peers and creating community. Meals are provided to participants for a suggested donation of $3. No one is turned away for inability to contribute towards their meal.
Both the Meals on Wheels and Senior Meals Programs have enabled older Southern Oregonians to experience a sense of independence that is often lost as people age. Over 50% of our Meals on Wheels participants reported that Food & Friends volunteers are the only people they see each day. Of the older adults visiting our dining centers, 94% stated that they enjoyed the community. Across both programs, over 80% of participants experienced an improved quality of life because of Food & Friends.
Food & Friends is always looking for volunteers, both at our dining center locations and as volunteer home delivery drivers. For information about volunteering, please contact Kathryn at 541-734-9505 ext. 2 or via email at kzentgraf@rvcog.org.
For more information about Food & Friends and our eligibility criteria, please call our office at 541-734-9505.
