CEAP Expands Meals on Wheels Program, Seeks More Volunteers
CEAP in Brooklyn Center is expanding its Meals on Wheels program. It is now the only provider of hot meals for homebound residents in the northwest suburbs.
That means the nonprofit has big shoes to fill– and its need for volunteers is higher than ever.
Volunteers like Carl Monson have helped.
“Since I’m retired, I’ve got nothing but time,” said Monson, whom you can find at CEAP most days each week. “It gets me out of the house every day.”
Monson delivers a meal to one of the program recipients.
Monson’s Wednesday route took him through a number of neighborhoods in Brooklyn Park. In his career, he was a Metro Mobility driver. He helped people get around who needed it most. In his retirement, in a way, he’s doing the same.
“Volunteering is about giving back as well,” Monson said.
Many of the people he visits are homebound. He and other Meals on Wheels volunteers are some of the only interaction they get in a day. He provides them with a friendly face and a home-cooked meal.
More to Feed
Katy Briggs, CEAP’s associate director of advancement, said the senior population is growing exponentially.
“The senior 65-plus population in Hennepin County is expected to grow 78 percent between 2015 and 2050, compared with 28 percent for the overall population,” Briggs said.
Meals on Wheels is also expanding at CEAP. It originated in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. Early in the pandemic, the program added Golden Valley, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.
Now, the program is adding Rogers, Maple Grove, Dayton and Albertville. Briggs said more cities may join in the future.
“We have around 30 routes that we deliver every day, so we certainly don’t have the staff capacity to be delivering to hundreds of participants every day. So we really do rely on volunteer support to get the meals out the door,” Briggs said.
Monson waits to pick up meals for neighborhood delivery.
Volunteers can help prepare or deliver meals. More of them are seriously needed.
“When our volunteers deliver food, they are also delivering independence, safety checks and friendship,” Briggs said.
It’s clear; volunteers get plenty out of it themselves. Monson can tell you that.
“It’s giving back, you know. It’s not a huge commitment in terms of time, so it’s easy to do,” Monson said.
Meals on Wheels are available for seniors and those who cannot prepare meals or leave their homes. According to CEAP’s website, it’s a temporary solution for some, while it’s a long-term opportunity for others to keep them independent.
Details on how to sign up for meals, or to volunteer, is available on CEAP’s website.
