Ortonville- After having quintuple bypass surgery last November, Janice Smith was confined to her home and unable to cook.
However, the 69-year-old widow who lives with her dog Max soon had great hot meals delivered right to her door, courtesy of Meals on Wheels.
Smith’s son-in-law signed her up for the program, run by staff from the Edna Burton Senior Center.
‘People there are so nice,? says Smith.’I am blessed.?
Meals on Wheels is intended for homebound senior citizens. The program has been at the senior center since it opened 30 years ago, says senior center coordinator Annette Beach.
There are currently 12 seniors in the area who have hot lunches delivered to their doors Monday through Friday.
The meal delivered to Smith on a recent sunny afternoon included chow mein, mixed vegetables, bread, salad, and an orange. She had her choice of milk or coffee.
Meals on Wheels has the same lunch menu as the senior center, with a wide variety of dishes throughout the month.
‘I don’t like it, I love it,? says Smith. ‘They have the best meals, just scrumptious.?
The program has a suggested donation charge of $3 per meal and seniors can also order a cold lunch and a hot meal for dinner for an additional charge. Ensure nutritional drink is also available and offered at a cheaper price than retail.
‘It think it’s a great program,? says Beach. ‘Just to have a hello and see someone really perks them up, even though we can’t stay long.?
Seniors interested in participating in the program can contact the Older Persons Commission in Rochester to be puton a list for delivery of meals. A note is required from a physician to be in the program. Details: (248) 608-0264.
Beach also needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels. For more information, call (248) 627-6447.