More than food: Meals on Wheels serves up friendship

By Mary Owen

With the holidays nearing, about 25 local seniors eagerly wait to hear the “knock-knock” on their doors.

And to receive a cheerful greeting from a visitor delivering a delicious, homemade holiday meal.

Throughout the year, Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to area senior citizens.

“Our kitchen usually does special holiday meals the day before the holiday,” said Donna Silva, the nutrition site coordinator. “Turkey or ham with all the fixings!”

Frozen meals will be delivered on the day prior to the holiday, and Meals on Wheels customers who eat at the Stayton meal site will also enjoy a pre-holiday meal on tables decorated for the holidays, Silva said.

“”We’ll have holiday treats and make it festive,” she said.

Since 1990, Meals on Wheels has been serving area seniors. Silva said it is one of the many services provided by Northwest Senior and Disability Services. Fifty percent of the program’s funding comes from the Older Americans Act, which was enacted by the federal government in 1965.

“We deliver hot meals to residents in the Stayton and Sublimity city limits, and provide frozen dinner options to the outlying Marion County residents of Aumsville, Jefferson, Marion, Mehama and Turner,” Silva said. “Currently, we deliver to 25 Stayton-Sublimity residents and provide frozen dinners to 14 customers in the outlying areas.”

This year, NWSDS reported serving more than 234,000 meals, averaging 910 meals a day. NWSDS operates 15 meal sites and Meals on Wheels drivers deliver to homebound seniors in 40 communities, including those in the greater Stayton area.

“Our biggest challenge is getting seniors to come into the dining center for lunch,” Silva said. “It’s a $3 suggested contribution per meal. We won’t turn anyone away if they can’t afford to contribute. As well as a healthy, nutritious meal, we offer a social connection and friendships.”

Christine Wolpert goes to the Stayton meal site every Tuesday.

“I don’t need it as I can cook for myself,” Wolpert said. “I keep going because I enjoy the people so much. And it’s important for me to support Meals on Wheels. I might need it someday.”

Wolpert loves the Kielbasa sausage sandwich, one of the many meals developed by Bateman kitchen in Salem and checked by a registered dietitian to make sure it meets current federal standards for fat, calories and sodium.

“And the cake is wonderful,” she added. “I eat the cake bottom first and then the frosting!”

At each meal, customers get to choose between two entrées, including a heart-healthy option, along with bread or roll, vegetable, potatoes and gravy, fruit or dessert and milk.

“Diabetics can choose a diet dessert,” Silva said. “Meatless options are offered on our frozen dinner menu.”

Favorites include chicken with dumplings, meatloaf, Swedish meatballs, scalloped potatoes with ham, chili and cornbread, Silva said.

“Our menus can be found on our website at nwsds.com,” she said.

Meals on Wheels runs smoothly with the help of volunteers, without whom the program could not exist, Silva said.

“One of our drivers has been delivering meals for 25 years,” she said. “Our oldest diner just turned 100 and has been coming in for the 13 years that I have worked here.”

Nadine Classen began volunteering for Meals on Wheels after she retired from NORPAC Foods 18 years ago. The 80-year-old Stayton senior said she’ll continue to volunteer for Meals on Wheels “as long as I can drive.”

“Meeting new people is my number one highlight,” said Classen, who has three sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a “granddog.”

“Some of my customers I’ve had some 15 years,” she added. “Many, many years!”

Last year, Classen was able to help save a life when a customer failed to open his door.

“When he didn’t answer, I asked the police to do a welfare check,” she said. “When I was done with my route, I went back. The police were there. I was glad I had followed through.”

When not delivering meals, Classen said she mostly stays home and quilts or does word-search puzzles. During her stint with Meals on Wheels, she has also trained other volunteers.

“We can always use more,” she said.

Volunteers are needed to package, serve and deliver meals. A background check is a requirement to volunteer. Meals on Wheels is open to seniors 60 and older who are homebound and need help with meal preparation.

Seniors age 60-plus and their spouses of any age are welcome at the dining center. Lunch is served at noon in the Stayton Community Center.