NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

from Health, Beauty & Fitness Spring '22

The Pandemic’s Effect On Heart Health

BEEP, BEEP

MEALS ON WHEELS IS COMING THROUGH FOR SENIORS

By marilyn katzman

As this Westwood-based organization prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, some 200 residents in 31 Bergen County towns are benefitting by receiving two meals, five days a week, delivered with a friendly drop off visit. Founded in 1972, Meals on Wheels North Jersey was originally known as Meals on Wheels Pascack Valley, starting with six clients and seed money from the Montvale Rotary Club.

“We’re more than a meal,” said Jeanne Martin, executive director. “We’re also eyes on our clients who are more like friends and family. Especially for homebound clients, the volunteers who deliver food may notice a need for a referral for housing, health or other issues. Children who do not live in the area may not realize their parents are not doing well, so if we notice something, our staff members can notify family members and/or authorities.”

A pool of 450 volunteers usually take a turn about once a month, picking up meals prepared by professional caterers at the Oakland Rehabilitation Center and Care One in Paramus. The volunteers cover 20 routes throughout the county, each with 10-15 clients. They deliver meals that are prepared according to medical, dietary or religious needs and for special diets such as diabetic, low sodium, vegetarian or even chopped and pureed.

Jane Bishop of River Vale has been a volunteer for 15 years. Twice a month, she and her husband drive two routes through Closter and Haworth.

“I started as a driver because my parents needed assistance when I was working,” she said. “When I retired, I wanted a way to help out and give back to the community.”

The program operates in coordination with the Bergen County Division of Family Services. In addition to serving area seniors over the age of 60, residents who are disabled or coming home from the hospital in need of short-term help, may be eligible. While participants pay according to income guidelines, the program is largely supported through private and cor-

porate donations, including United Way donations, as well as various grants. The organization also benefits when people making online purchases designate it via AmazonSmile. Support is also received from Subaru’s “Share the Love” promotion during the holiday season.

Keeping the program up and running during the pandemic presented unique challenges.

“We went from delivering fresh food daily, to delivering frozen meals once a week,” said Martin.

Since last July however, the program has returned to fresh deliveries. Now that things have opened, an enhancement has been added to the organization’s outreach efforts. A music program was introduced in 2021 to help reduce the stress of isolation with virtual group sessions facilitated by a partnership with the JCC of the Palisades which offered an iPad lending library. Now, staff members can have one-on-one visits with clients who enjoy singing and keeping the beat to songs.

Martin said it costs about $1,500 a year to deliver food to someone who needs assistance, but she noted it isn’t expensive when compared to the cost of someone having to spend a day in a hospital.

“We’re also keeping people safe,” she said.

“I thought I was doing something to help others,” said driver and board member Chris Montana. “But as much as I help them, they help me be a better person.”

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit

MEALSONWHEELSNORTHJERSEY.ORG

The 200 Club of Bergen County held a Casino Night at Bergen County Harley-Davidson. For more information, visit www.200club.org.