Gas Crisis Hits Meals On Wheels Programs Across Nation
Those who don't drive pay the highest price

As the cost of gas skyrockets, all Americans are paying top dollar to drive their vehicles, but it is the homebound seniors who rely on Meals On Wheels for their next meal that are struggling the most.

Meals On Wheels programs and their volunteers are desperately working to continue to deliver meals despite the impact of the current gas crisis on their costs and operation. Recent findings show that the situation will only get worse if gas prices continue to rise.

According to a national survey conducted by the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), many Meals on Wheels programs nationwide are struggling due to the increase in the price of gas.

Nearly 80% of those Meals on Wheels programs have lost volunteers. One program reported losing 5 volunteers in a single week, an incidence that is unprecedented in the program's history.

It is even more alarming that 25% of those programs reported they have had to reduce the number of meals they serve per week and 30% have started a waiting list of seniors needing meals. 67% believe their program will have to cut back on meal service if the price of gas enters in the range of $4.50 to $5.00.

This crisis presents an urgent situation for Meals on Wheels considering that these programs nationwide serve approximately 1 million meals per day.

The cost of gas used by paid staff and volunteers of Meals On Wheels programs to deliver meals to seniors in their local communities each day is enormous. Each day across the United States Meals On Wheels programs and their volunteers drive 1.25 million miles to bring meals to seniors who need them.

Currently, the total daily cost of gas used by all Meals On Wheels programs nationally exceeds $247,000. And every one cent increase in the price of gas equals an additional $250,000 a year that is spent on delivering meals to homebound seniors. On an annual basis this translates to millions more dollars spent.

For example, gasoline prices for the week of May 9, 2011 were $1.06 higher than for the same week of 2010. This means that costs nationally of delivering services based on this factor alone increased by $26,500,000.

"For our Meals on Wheels programs, it is a triple whammy because gas prices are up, food prices are up, and the economy is down," said Enid Borden, President and CEO of MOWAA.

"As Americans, we have a responsibility to think beyond ourselves and our wallets. The numbers don't lie. Our meal programs and the people they serve need help now. Just how long can we ask these seniors to wait for a life sustaining meal?"

MOWAA is encouraging the public to be part of the solution to ending senior hunger by volunteering or simply making a donation. Please respond to recent mailings that support your local Meals on Wheels or call 282.2834 for more information.

SCC's social services include home-delivered Meals on Wheels delivered by a devoted fleet of volunteer drivers. This meal program also includes our unique Breakfast Club program at no cost. In addition to food, our volunteers deliver compassion and respect.

Our Community Lunch is served at the center Monday through Friday at noon. This program is made possible by our generous, award-winning kitchen staff and our civic-minded Restaurant Partners. Guests are greeted and served by volunteers. $3 for seniors, $6 for those under the age of 60.

Our Transportation program gives senior adults "door-to-door" service to the store, bank and doctor Monday through Friday between 9 and 2. They are also available to transport folks to and from our Community Lunch each day. Our professional drivers are the most kind and caring in the business.

Our Telecare program provides daily telephone calls to individuals in need of a wellness check seven days a week. This vital service is available free-of-charge to all Sedona-area residents and is provided by concerned volunteers.

For more information, to volunteer or to make reservations for our classes, events or social services, call 282-2834. We are located at the corner of Harmony Drive and Melody Lane in West Sedona.