When her friends and family first recommended the program to her, Georgene thought she did not need Meals on Wheels. After spending time in the hospital, then in a rehab facility due to complications from COPD, she could no longer cook for herself. Instead, she relied on frozen convenience foods for the bulk of her meals. It wasn’t until her doctor determined that she was malnourished that she changed her mind about the program. When she first learned, she was astonished. She laughed and said, “Look at me, malnourished!” Though she hadn’t gone hungry, her food lacked the nutrients she needed.

Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels stepped in to help. This community service delivers hot and healthy meals prepared under the supervision of a Registered Dietician to homebound and disabled individuals in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Every meal is heart-healthy, diabetic-safe, and provides one-third of the recommended daily allowance of nutrition. Georgene now enjoys regular healthy meals and is grateful to be part of the program.

Georgene’s story shows how impactful proper nutrition can be, especially for those with other health issues. Many people do not realize how malnutrition affects their day-to-day lives, weakening their bodies and sapping their energy. Limited mobility or financial constraints may also play a part in this complicated issue.

Thanks to the dedication of the Meals on Wheels volunteers and staff, many people like Georgene can lead more happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know could benefit from Meals on Wheels, make a referral by calling the Meals on Wheels office at 217-422-6611, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Meals on Wheels staff will collect some basic information and arrange a home visit assessment.

If you would like to volunteer to deliver meals and a friendly face to those in need, most routes take under an hour to complete and are under 15 miles. Volunteers are welcome to help weekly, once or twice a month, as an occasional backup, or on Holiday breaks. We are happy to work with your schedule. For more information, click here to visit the Meals on Wheels webpage or call 217-422-6611.