The Meals on Wheels program has been expanding and delivering outside the Bradford area — recipients in Smethport and others in Lafayette Township and more in Kane — it won’t be long before the coverage area includes clientele from Mount Jewett, too.
The program has grown significantly and is in need. One hurdle they are finding difficult to straddle is dedicated volunteer drivers. Volunteers deliver meals directly to clients’ homes. Last year an average of 510 meals per week, totaling 26,529 a year served. Currently the group is serving 640 meals per week, which will result in a yearly total of 33,280 meals. This puts the program on track to serve 6,751 more meals this year than they did in 2021.
According to Stacy Shotts Williams, director of volunteer services and community outreach at BRMC, “We could really use drivers in the Bradford area and to drive our van for the Duke Center, Eldred, Smethport and Port Allegany areas. Our van is used for deliveries outside of the 16701 zip code.”
All the new growth this year does not bother the coordinators at all. They have been working on expanding the program for sometime and are happy to see it reaching so many who need it. The coordinators of the program expressed nothing but gratitude for the delivery drivers and volunteers, “We don’t know what we would do without our current volunteers. They are very committed to this program and their dedication did not waiver even during the height of the pandemic,” stated Frank Kemick, program coordinator. And the volunteers and drivers continue to pull out all the stops as the program grows.
Shotts Williams also mentioned, “In addition to volunteer drivers, we also have a great need for volunteer help in our kitchen with packaging meals.” Volunteers assist Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information about the program, or to become a volunteer, call (814) 362-8288.
Bradford Regional Medical Center Meals on Wheels provides nutritious hot and cold meals for clients five days per week, with alternate menu options available. Weekend meals are available upon request.
During the pandemic, face-to-face contact was limited, thankfully now, some are able to take their masks off and enjoy the company of the volunteers. Participants are always happy and appreciative to see a smiling face and know someone is stopping by.
For some, mobility is temporarily or permanently diminished so that shopping for food and/or preparing meals is difficult. Anyone can be referred to the program through a healthcare provider, family member or through a self-referral.
Money is tight for many in the region. Meals on Wheels meal recipients pay a sliding-scale fee based on their income. The process to sign up for the program is simple and only asks applicants a few easy questions about income which determines what percentage the recipient pays for a meal. Some recipients qualify for free or reduced price meals.
Monetary donations and memorials of any size are greatly appreciated and can be made to the BRMC Meals on Wheels Benevolent Fund by contacting the Bradford Hospital Foundation by calling (814) 362-3200 or visiting BRMC: Meals on Wheels, 116 Interstate Parkway, Bradford.
