In honor of Blog Action Day 2008, I would like to recognize to the wonderful Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) volunteers that donate their time and energy to bring nourishment and hope to homebound individuals all across America.

As a child I remember accompanying my mom and next door neighbor on weekly outings to deliver hot meals to elderly people, stuck in their homes. I recall the gratitude and appreciation these older citizens expressed as they accepted their hot meals, shared some conversation, and thanked us for coming out. For some, this hot meal delivery was the only human contact and nourishment they would experience for the entire week. This sharing of food, human contact and hope was made possible by the MOWAA.

The MOWAA describes their organization as one “that provides nutritious meals and other nutrition services to men and women who are elderly, homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk.” Although their mission is “to eradicate hunger and malnutrition among America’s seniors and others in need,” I was surprised to learn that MOWAA’s services extended beyond delivering hot meals to senior citizens. I wonder how many homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk individuals go without nourishment because they don’t know that MOWAA is a service in which they can participate?

More than just a meal, MOWAA offers recipients the comfort of knowing that someone will be “checking in” on them several times per week. Just knowing they haven’t been forgotten offers hope in the face of lost independence and loneliness that many of these homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk individuals experience.

As with most non-profit organizations, MOWAA is only as strong as its volunteers. If you’re interested in making a positive impact in the lives of those in need by becoming a MOWAA volunteer, please check with your local MOWAA chapter to see how you can help.

Live in Columbus Ohio? If you live in Franklin or Madison county contact Lifecare Alliance, or if you live in Delaware county, check out Growing Older to learn how you can help.