Rising Fuel, Food Prices Stretch County’s ‘Meals-On-Wheels’

Potter County Area Agency on Aging has issued an appeal for support of the “Meals on Wheels” program, which is feeling the impact of dramatically higher prices for gasoline and food in recent months. Demand for the meals has exceeded the supply and a waiting list is being maintained.

The program is designed to assist homebound elderly residents by providing them with nutritionally balanced hot or frozen meals. The program is open to individuals 60 or older who are unable to prepare meals, have no one to cook for them, and have difficulty performing daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, shopping, cooking and driving.

About 60 Potter County residents are receiving Meals on Wheels. “This service allows seniors to stay in their homes, maintain some independence, and avoid or delay nursing home placement,” explained Sherry Hoffman, Agency on Aging director. “Meal delivery also provides the opportunity to check in on those who live alone. An unanswered delivery is reported and followed up on. Any changes in the meal recipient’s health or needs are referred to families, physicians, or other community services.”

Menus are planned under the supervision of a registered dietician and each meal provides one-third of recommended daily dietary guidelines. The meals are prepared at the Potter County Human Services offices in Roulette by a contracted provider, Pittsburgh Companies North.

An increase in demand for the meal delivery service has outpaced the funds received over the past several years, Hoffman said. A gift of $25 will purchase meals for an older person in need for about one week. Gifts, which are tax-deductible, can be made as memorial contributions, or in honor of a friend or relative. All donations received will be used only to purchase home-delivered meals. Checks payable to Potter County AAA should be sent to: Home-Delivered Meals, PO Box 241, Roulette PA 16746. Anyone seeking information about the agency’s services and programs is encouraged to call 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.