Meals on Wheels began in 1965 after an outreach program at the First Presbyterian Church conducted a survey which revealed there was a need for a home delivered meal program. Using vehicles from the Red Cross and volunteers from Trinity United Methodist Church, a program was born. There were four meals delivered on that first day in 1965. In 1967, the Vanderburgh County Medical Auxiliary partnered with Meals on Wheels to provide both volunteers and financial support. Many in the community participated in the early days of Meals on Wheels and we continue to be a community based service provider.
Today we are operating five routes, delivering between 120-150 meals each day. The need continues to exist for service to the homebound of our community. This program allows many to remain in their own homes, living independently for a longer period of time.
Meals on Wheels' mission is to provide good nutrition to the elderly, the sick and the mentally and physically handicapped of the community and also to provide a social contact with the client.
Our vision is for no one to be without good nutrition and to assist in our client's desire to live independently for as long as possible.
Meals on Wheels serves a wide range of people, from the young person hurt on the job, to the middle-aged recovering from surgery, to the elderly, who have special needs. It is the only program in the city that accepts people of any age. Clients are both short-term and long-term.
With the cost of hospitalization increasing and insurance companies pushing for early release of the patient, our service is available to help not only the elderly but those who are recuperating at home after surgery of those who are dealing with terminal illnesses. Studies seem to point to the tangible benefits gained from a healthy, nutritionally balanced meal. Also, with the increasing costs associated with nursing-home care, Meals on Wheels is in a position to assist those in our community who need to receive help while continuing their pursuit of independent living.
A Client Application must be completed. The first page is filled out by the client and the second page is filled out by his/her physician. The completed application is returned to the Meals on Wheels office and the Meals on Wheels staff will contact the client to set up a start date.
Nutritionally appropriate diets are available according to the physician's order on the client's application. The meals are prepared under the supervision of the dietitians at Deaconess Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital.
A nutritionally balanced hot meal is delivered over the noon hour five days a week by Meals on Wheels volunteers in vehicles that are owned by Meals on Wheels and marked appropriately. No deliveries are made on weekends, holidays or days when inclement weather makes driving conditions hazardous for our volunteers.
There is a weekly fee assessed to the client, which covers the cost of the meals. Call the Meals on Wheels office at 476-6521 for details or print out our Client Application, complete, and mail or fax 812-962-5525 to the Meals on Wheels office.
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© 2023 Meals on Wheels of Evansville, Inc. Phone:(812) 476-6521 Fax:(812) 962-5525 Contact: MOW@mealsonwheelsofevansville.org