Successful meal program turns 40 years old
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Betty Jones enjoys the companionship of Stephanie Aruta, right, and Genise Brandt who deliver Meals on Wheels to her Janesville home.
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Harlan Jacot gets a container of food for his delivery to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church as cars line up for the church route of Meals on Wheels outside Mercy Hospital.
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Stephanie Aruta and Genise Brandt, right, deliver Meals on Wheels to Betty Jones at her Janesville home.
TO LEARN MORE
For more about Meals on Wheels, to volunteer, to become a corporate sponsor or to order meals, call Marie Bilek, director of the Mercy Health System Association of Volunteers, at (608) 756-6739.
JANESVILLE — “Meals on Wheels,” shouted Stephanie Aruta as she knocked on Betty Jones’ front door.
“Come on in,” Jones yelled back to Aruta, who was accompanied by co-worker Jenise Brandt.
The women, employees of Robert W. Baird & Co., were spending their lunch hour delivering food for Meals on Wheels, a program of Mercy Hospital Association of Volunteers.
The program turned 40 years old in March.
“What did you bring me today?” Jones asked.
“Swedish meatballs with noodles and vegetables plus an apple,” Aruta said.
Jones, 90, is vision impaired. She relies on the meals at least five days a week and occasionally on weekends.
“I can’t see enough to cook anymore, and I’m not suppose to use the stove,’’ she said. “It’s the only way I can get a well-balanced, nourishing meal that is affordable.”
For $3.50, Jones gets generous portions of meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, and she usually has leftovers for her night meals.
“I’m quite happy with it,’’ she said.
Jones’ son Bob, who is semi-retired, said the meal program gives him a chance to do other things.
“It’s really helps the caregiver situation,’’ he said.
The Joneses are not alone.
Today, an average of 115 people receive hot meals, compared to the program’s original nine subscribers. Meals are prepared by the food service staff at Mercy Hospital, which receives $3.40. The association of volunteers gets the remaining 10 cents to pay for replacement of food carriers, postage for billing customers and covering meals for those who don’t have the ability to pay, said Marie Bilek, director of volunteers.
Meals are delivered seven days a week, including holidays, by more than 100 volunteers, who live in the community or are members of churches, organizations and local businesses, she said.
Volunteers Dean and Sue Buchholz, Janesville, explained why they volunteer for the program.
“It’s a wonderful service for those in need,’’ Dean said.
“It’s the appreciation of the consumers, who are always grateful,’’ Sue said.
Those involved with the program explained its success.
“The need has been and always will be there to eat properly,’’ said JoAnne Doppstadt, an original member of the board, past secretary and current historian.
Doppstadt said program founder Lois Hickey never would accept government dollars for the program. It is funded by memorials, church donations, subscriber contributions and donations to the association of volunteers annual holiday Love Light Tree.
“It’s also one of the reasons I’ve stayed on the committee,’’ she said.
Bilek attributed the success to “the huge amount of volunteers and no outside funding.’’
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:43 a.m.
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They do take dietary restrictions into account, but they don't do it well - my dad is diabetic and they will send pasta AND potatoes or potatoes AND corn in the same meal, but then no green/orange vegetables. Potatoes and corn are considered starches and have to be counted toward carb choices for diabetics, and so when they would do that AND send fruit (another carb choice), he would have to save something for later and try to find a vegetable at home he could manage. Bless the volunteers who deliver these meals, especially during times of high gas prices. They do not get reimbursed, and most of them are in positions where it doesn't help that you could take some charitable mileage deductions on taxes.
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:19 a.m.
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wtp- spoke too soon almost.
Food cost money! There doesn't seem to be a profit here. Food takes energy to make. I bet Mercy is paying for that!
What a great program.
It is sad there isn't anybody in their lives to help them. But if you are 90 you may have outlived your family. I bet they are so glad to see these people everyday.
packerfan- it may still be that way. It is probably the safest way to serve it to many elderly. Who knows how many health issues the 120 people have. To cook for them all at the same time, so nobody gets ill from salt or whatever, it would have to be blad. Add some Mrs Dash and you'll be fine for next time.
I always thought it was weird when Fireside serves up their SO SALTY meals to SO many seniors that come in to see the plays.
Apr 19, 2010 at 6:49 a.m.
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the food must have vastly improved. i had meals on wheels 5 yrs. ago. it was the worst food you could serve. everything was gray, bland, an tasteless. Kudos to the volunteers who deliver; they deserve it.
Apr 18, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
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I think it's a great program also , but no where in this article does it state that Mercy does not make a profit. If they do I hope they would consider giving more back so they could help more people especially in this economic situation.
Apr 18, 2010 at 1:44 p.m.
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There has always got to be a "bump on the log" in all these comment spots the Gazette graciously lets us post. I love this program! It is a life saver for a lot of older and handicapped individuals. Keep up the good work!
Apr 18, 2010 at 11:26 a.m.
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The $3.40 goes to cover the cost of the food marge123 not in Mercy's pocket.
Apr 18, 2010 at 12:06 a.m.
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The hospital gets $3.40 and the people keeping this a go get .10 -- common Javon how much ya making cause we know it isn't charity. Sisters left long ago.
Apr 17, 2010 at 7:08 p.m.
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keep up the good work, god bless you guys for the few minutes you spend with these people, it means alot to them I'm sure.
Apr 17, 2010 at 5:11 p.m.
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It makes happy to read a story like this so I don't have to read blogs from the same complainers about spending there tax money to help others. These people who blog and complain about everything that cost money makes me sick. So you people know who you are and may your days be disgusting and boring.
Apr 17, 2010 at 4:54 p.m.
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The look on Betty Jones' face brought tears to my eyes! Such a simple thing can make such a difference in the lives of these people!
Apr 17, 2010 at 4:21 p.m.
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Meals on Wheels is, by far, one of the best programs ever created to help the elderly remain in their homes. Kudos to all those involved in the program.
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