We had the privilege of visiting Meals On Wheels Edmonton before the pandemic started to interview them about supporting vulnerable and socially isolated clients in our community. Edmonton Meals on Wheels, we have a long history of feeding body and soul®. Our first meals were delivered on April 21, 1969. Since then, we have been providing home-delivered meals and related food services to promote health, well-being and independence for a diverse mix of clients. As a local non-profit and registered charitable organization, we work hard with our sponsors, volunteers and the community to find effective ways to serve those who need our help. Since 1988, we have had our own commercial food production and distribution centre. Our Red Seal Executive Chef makes sure our meals are healthy and tasty. By continually monitoring our clients’ preferences and needs, we respond with changes to our menus and programs. For more information about the Meals On Wheels Edmonton Programs, visit: https://mealsonwheelsedmonton.org/
[1:10] How We Were Introduced
[1:35] Who is Meals On Wheels?
[4:01] Not just for Seniors
[5:45] Dine Together Program (Pilot Project)
[7:23] How much does it cost?
[8:08] Food cooked fresh daily
[10:54] ~230-250 meals a day, 189,000 meals per year
[11:58] How does volunteering work?
[15:01] 25 drivers and 15-18 people in the kitchen DAILY volunteers needed
[18:21] Karen on making her difference
[19:35] How to help Meals On Wheels
[23:16] What Karen loves most about Edmonton
[26:40] How does Karen want to be remembered?
"Food is the connector to help with social isolation."
"We are delivering more than food. We are delivering help & hope."
"It becomes like a friend dropping by each week."