Because of cuts to funding at the state and federal levels, what was once a booming production of fresh, hot meals served on a daily basis to seniors throughout Aroostook County, the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging had to make changes to its Meals on Wheels programs.
And even with those adjustments, getting meals into the hands of those who need them has proven challenging as the number of volunteers willing to deliver them has dropped dramatically.
According to Dottie Sines of the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, the need for volunteer drivers particularly in southern Aroostook County is reaching an all-time high.
“We used to have a paid delivery driver, substitute driver and dining center person in Houlton, but we had to cut those positions through attrition,” Sines said. “We’ve tried our best to fill those positions with volunteers.”
Sines now has one person – Scott Seiler – for all of southern Aroostook County, who is paid for just a few hours each week. Hiring staff is not an option because every dollar spent on salary translates into fewer meals able to be passed out, she said.
“We have two volunteers who help out, but they are both older people,” Sines said. “Each volunteer delivers about 10 meals, so if they are out, that’s a big burden on him.”
Meals on Wheels has been in Aroostook County for about 35 years. What used to be 12-14 dining centers, serving hot meals every day throughout the County with 35-40 people at each center, has been scaled back dramatically in recent years.
“What has happened over the years is the money has gotten tighter and tighter, so we get less from the state and federal governments,” she said.
Because of the decreased funding, Meals on Wheels now has just six dining centers located in Fort Kent, Madawaska, Van Buren, Caribou, Presque Isle and Grand Isle (during winter months only), and must now serve frozen meals for patrons to heat themselves from Caribou-south.
To be eligible for Meals on Wheels, a person must be 60 years or older, unable to prepare a meal, and be homebound.
“We probably serve 400 meals throughout the day in Aroostook County,” Sines said.
Sines explained she used to contract with Houlton Regional Hospital for meals in southern Aroostook County because they had a registered dietician on staff and could provide fresh, hot meals on a daily basis. However, because of the cuts to funding, and the switch to frozen meals.
“Because the seniors were also feeling the economic pinch with cuts to food stamps, increased heating expenses, our donations went from $250,000 per year to about $140,000,” Sines said.
To be eligible to become a Meals on Wheels volunteer, individuals must have a valid Maine driver’s license and a reliable vehicle. Volunteers can be paid 42 cents per mile for reimbursement, but neither volunteer in southern Aroostook County has asked to be compensated, she said. A background check must also be performed.
“Not only are you delivering a meal, you are checking on the well-being of that person,” Sines said. “And sometimes they are the only face that person sees all day.”
Meals are delivered one day a week, with five meals presented to each participant. Volunteers are also needed to make phone calls to the many seniors.
For more information, contact Sines at 1-800-439-1789.
