March For Meals events make a big impact on Kenosha community

With an aging population that is expected to see seniors surpass those 18 and under within the next few years, Ron Tatum is certain the need for programs like Meals on Wheels is only going to increase.

It is essential for the resources needed to support the program to keep up with rising demand, said Tatum, the executive director of Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc.

It is with that backdrop that KAFASI — the administrator of Meals on Wheels in Kenosha County — is hosting a week of community awareness events, which began Monday.

These “March for Meals” events, part of a national campaign in support of Meals on Wheels, are an effort to build awareness of the need for nutrition support for elders and people with disabilities, while also spotlighting the work of the many volunteers who deliver meals daily.

“This campaign is so important for so many seniors, seniors with disabilities, and families who are struggling with food insecurity, and we cannot do what we do without each and every one of you — our community,” said Tatum, at the campaign’s Monday kickoff at the Westosha Senior Community Center in Bristol. “We have the best volunteers in the world. Many don’t know we have the largest volunteer base in all of Kenosha County. We could not do it without you.”

At the Monday kickoff, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman presented a proclamation celebrating March for Meals Month in Kenosha County.

“Kenosha County is proud to partner with KAFASI to ensure our seniors have access to the nutrition they need,” Kerkman said. “Kudos to the many volunteer drivers who are the backbone of the Meals on Wheels program, delivering meals to people who need them and also showing caring concern and attention to their health and welfare.”

City of Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala headlined Wednesday’s event at the KAFASI headquarters, 7730 Sheridan Road, giving his thanks to the organization and its dedicated volunteers.

“As our community continues to grow and our senior population expands, it’s clear that programs like Meals on Wheels are not just important, but essential,” Bogdala said. “The dedication of these volunteers and support from organizations like KAFASI help ensure that

our seniors, many of whom face challenges like food insecurity, receive the nutrition and care they deserve. I’m proud to stand alongside this incredible team of volunteers and community leaders as we continue to work together to meet the rising needs of our most vulnerable residents.”

Bogdala, Kerkman and other local dignitaries joined KAFASI volunteer drivers for ride-alongs on their Meals on Wheels routes, to get a firsthand look at the needs that the program fills.

“The Meals on Wheels program is a vital program for those who need these services not only for the nutritional benefits, but it helps residents to maintain independent living conditions, instead of requiring assisted living or nursing facilities,” said City Administrator and County Board Supervisor John Morrissey, who helped deliver meals on Wednesday. “The individuals that receive these benefits normally have better health and well-being due to the nutritional value they receive, thus reducing healthcare costs.”

Meals on Wheels is available to people over 60 who are unable to prepare their own meals or are at risk of going to a nursing home. Volunteer drivers staff routes throughout the city and county, delivering meals between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Meals on Wheels Manager Rhonda Beucher said more than 100 volunteer drivers deliver 480 of hot meals each weekday.

“The nutrition of our seniors and the social aspect of our deliveries really do help combat malnutrition and social isolation,” Beucher said on Tuesday.

Tatum said that the volunteer drivers serve as a wellness check for the meal recipients, and they are sometimes the only human contact that the program clients receive on a given day.

Those who are interested in becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels or any of the other programs that KAFASI facilitates may contact the organization at 262-658-3508, or find more information online at https://www.kafasi.org/.