GLCAP’s Meals on Wheels program supported over 500 seniors in Sandusky County last year
Even though the entire kitchen operation for the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Meals on Wheels program relocated last year, the food still kept moving to the homes of Sandusky County seniors.
GLCAP Meals on Wheels drivers served 565 clients in 2021, delivering a total of 68,678 meals to Sandusky County seniors last year. The Meals on Wheels program offers weekday, home-delivered lunches for eligible homebound seniors ages 60 and older.
Last year, Meals on Wheels continued to serve homebound seniors throughout kitchen renovations at the Sandusky County Senior Campus at 1101 Castalia St. to consolidate operations for GLCAP Senior Services department. Meals for senior programs were previously prepared at GLCAP’s Stricker Family Development Center on Buchanan St. in Fremont.
“Part of our plan when we opened the new Senior Campus location was to renovate the kitchen to bring our operations together under one roof,” GLCAP Senior Services Director Robin Richter said.
Staff continued to use the Stricker Center kitchen during renovations up until the day of the move in August 2021. GLCAP continues to use the kitchen at Stricker for its early childhood programs at the location, while the Senior Campus kitchen is used for Meals on Wheels and Sandusky County senior center lunches.
“The move caused no disruption in our services and has since enhanced our operations by bringing all of our staff together in one location,” Richter said.
While ensuring that all seniors have access to nutrition is a core component of the organization’s Senior Services department, Meals on Wheels is a critical service for local homebound seniors in particular.
“We’re fond of saying Meals on Wheels provides so much more than just a meal,” said Richter said. “We all know the importance of healthy food, but for many of our meal recipients, the daily visit from our drivers is just as valued.”
Not only do Meals on Wheels drivers provide daily meals, but their visits also serve as weekday wellness checks that ensure clients are safe and healthy while in their homes. If a client does not come to the door as expected, staff can notify the family to check and see if assistance is needed. Those interested in receiving Meals on Wheels will have a home assessment to determine eligibility.
Donations for meals are suggested, but not required. For more information, visit www.glcap.org/mealsonwheels or call 419-333-5082.