Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula

Mission

In order for people to experience good health and the highest quality of life possible as they live longer, Meals on Wheels and the Sally Griffin Center programs nurture the whole person – mind, body and spirit. The Nutrition Meal Programs and Griffin Center services promote the physical, social, personal well-being, and independence of seniors, homebound frail elderly and disabled adults (18+) on the Monterey Peninsula.

The Big Idea

The home delivered meals programs provides 2.5 meals per day, 5 days per week, with an extra meal for the weekend to frail elderly and disabled adults. Caring volunteers conduct a daily wellness check and offer daily socialization to homebound clients. The volunteer contacts the Home Delivered Meals manager who in turns contacts family and first responders should the volunteer encounter a client who is non-responsive, injured or confused. The cost-effective program also provides information and referral to families. 86% of Home Delivered meals clients are low-income. The Group Dining program provides a low-cost, hot noon luncheon, five days per week, in the company of others, to 500+ ambulatory seniors at sites in Seaside, Monterey and Pacific Grove.

It was comforting to know that when I brought my husband John home from the hospital after surgery that he would have one of his favorite meals on wheels’ lunches ready to just warm up in the microwave. He felt much better after eating, especially since he hadn’t had any food since dinner the night before. We really appreciated the meals on wheels administrative and kitchen staff, volunteers and volunteer drivers for their cheerful, caring administration of the program. Our thanks to Meals on Wheels for doing its part in keeping John healthy and well fed.

- Jennings Claudia