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About Meals on Wheels

Meals on wheels client and volunteer

The Meals on Wheels Program in DeKalb County provides nutritious meals to older adults and others in need who are homebound because of illness, physical or mental impairment, who are unable to prepare food independently, or who are otherwise isolated.

Meals are provided Monday through Friday with the help of volunteers who deliver the meals and make personal contact with each client to ensure their safety and well-being.

The Meals on Wheels nutrition program became a part of the Voluntary Action Center in 1987. The success of the Meals on Wheels program is because of the generous donations of time by our Volunteers. In 2008, 56,802 meals were delivered to homebound residents in DeKalb County by about 2000 volunteers donating 1-2 hours per day to deliver the meals. Volunteers are recruited from all communities in DeKalb County. Pick up and delivery of the meals are at Voluntary Action Center’s central kitchen in Sycamore and Kish Health Systems part of Northwestern Medicine in Sandwich.

Menus for nutritious meals are approved by a registered dietitian. Some special diets can be accommodated. Regular nutritional assessments are completed. There is a monthly menu available so recipients know in advance what will be served. Meals for special events such as a monthly birthday meal for all who have birthdays that month, holidays, and recognition days such as Memorial Day are noted on our menu. Meals are provided on a donation schedule based on income. No senior is refused a meal for lack of a donation.

Funding for the Meals on Wheels program is received from state and federal grants, local governments, user donations, United Ways, charitable foundations, and the Voluntary Action Center membership drive. Meals on Wheels is a non-profit program through the Voluntary Action Center. Voluntary Action center is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is an equal opportunity employer.