FORT ERIE MEALS ON WHEELS KEEPING SENIORS FED

SERVING 450 PEOPLE A WEEK

Across Fort Erie, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and others can count on Meals on Wheels to help keep them fed with nutritious and balanced meals throughout the week.

"For the hot meals program, we're servicing about 250 meals per week," program manager Nicole Marshall said.

This is in addition to another 200 clients who receive frozen meals, which means the Meals on Wheels program can see around 450 clients a week face to face.

"We always stress to the clients and any family members putting their parents on the program that it's also a security check," Marshall added.

"It's our volunteers actually delivering the meals. If they notice dishes are starting to pile up or the walkways aren't clear or things like that, they'll let us know, and we will follow up with the family to give them a heads up."

She says that this security check, in addition to the added benefits of providing people with nutritional meals, can help people maintain their independence for as long as possible.

"Then also that is helping free up hospital beds and things like that because they're able to stay in their homes longer," said Marshall.

All the meals, hot or frozen, come with a meat entree and two sides. It may also come with soup and a dessert, depending on the order.

Each menu listing is made under the supervision of Registered Dietitians, which ensures that any dietary restrictions are being met and that each meal is packed full of nutrients.

Registered dietician Leah Mete said that programs like Meals on Wheels that help ensure people have enough food to eat regularly throughout the day are crucial in helping to prevent some accidents.

"The good thing about eating more regularly is it actually really helps with energy levels and especially as you're thinking about aging, potentially like falls and things like that start to become an issue," Mete said. "(Eating regularly) will provide you with energy that will decrease the risk of those types of things."

She added that any program

that provides different styles of meals with a multitude of proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates is an added bonus.

"As long as we are eating a diet full of variety, we will be reaching all of our thresholds for those nutrients

we should be getting. So obviously eating a little bit more frequently gives you a better opportunity so that your body is functioning at its best," Mete added.

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop is incredibly familiar with Meals on

Wheels, having served on their board years ago. He said he's proud of all the work staff and volunteers do with Meals on Wheels in helping to keep community members fed.

"They provide a very important service to our community, not only providing warm and cold meals, but also the check-ins. So they stop and chat with individuals, and frequently that's something that those individuals are receiving the meals like they don't have too much contact with others, so it's a nice opportunity," Redekop said.

Those looking to get in contact with Meals on Wheels can find additional information online at mealsonwheelsniagara.ca.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: During Meals on Wheels community champions week, reporter Brilee Sears wanted to learn more about the work the organization does and highlight their importance within the Fort Erie community.