A screenshot from a recently published YouTube video showcasing how 120 meals are delivered through the Veiner Centre's Meal on Wheels program each week.--SCREENSHOT
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The Unison at Veiner Centre released a short video on its YouTube Channel in July showing how staff and volunteers prepare and deliver 120 meals a day through its ‘Meals on Wheels’ program.
The behind-the-scenes video begins with food service manager Rick Leach explaining their early morning kitchen routine with video footage of vegetables and chicken being prepared for meals as soup is portioned into delivery cups.
“By 8:30 we are putting soups into containers and lidding them,” says Leach. “By 9 we are serving the hot meal and boxing them up and sending them en route to their destination.”
That destination will be the homes of dozens of local seniors who may need help due to physical disabilities and cognitive impairments, or people recovering from illnesses and surgeries.
These well-balanced meals are nutritious and provide aging people essential energy and nutrients and the delivered meals can be purchased for an affordable price. The Meals on Wheels program also assists seniors who require special dietary planning.
“(It’s special) knowing we provide a very essential service here for our seniors, and they’re always so appreciative and happy and they love the food,” says Leach.
On average Meals on Wheels delivers 120 meals per day. The video continues as meals are loaded into the vehicles of volunteer drivers who deliver the meals.
Volunteer Bill Ramage speaks about connecting with clients while making meal deliveries.
“When the opportunity arises we spend a few minutes chatting with people because we realize a lot of them live alone and just appreciate a little bit of chatting between the driver and them,” says Ramage.
Leach say clients who access the Meals on Wheels program regularly complement the volunteers and staff who work each day to make sure they have a hot meal delivered to their door.
Call 403-525-8885 to speak to a co-ordinator with Meals on Wheels, or apply for meals online by emailing mow@veinercentre.com.
