The Holbrook Senior Citizens Center board is hard at work in an effort to bring the Meals on Wheels program back into the community. Holbrook lost funding for the program provided through Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) in 2018, which was then replaced with the Mom’s Meals program. The difference between the two is that Meals on Wheels makes the meals locally, then each meal is personally delivered by someone who also checks on the individual to ensure their well-being, and engages in conversation. Mom’s Meals is less personal, with meals delivered by either UPS or FedEx and dropped on doorsteps.
Mike Nilsson is president of the Holbrook’s Senior Citizens Center board and expressed disappointment that the program, which was slated to begin in 2024, will have to be put off until 2025. “It’s disappointing, but we’ll use this time and we will get ready. We will be so ready that there’s no way we can’t get the (contract).”
He noted that NACOG just changed directors and while the previous director was willing to allow them to apply for funding a year early, the new director is keeping the project on the track it was intended to be on. NACOG provided a list of requirements to ensure the program was ready for the application and Nilsson said they are ready with most of it. A couple of things noted is that 20 to 25 hours of food handling training is needed for two people, and secure emails need to be in place.
“So, we’re going to have a Request for Quotes in January of 2025. Then in February of 2025 we’ll do the bidding conference, then in March 2025 applications will close and then in April 2025 there will be awards and we’ll start on July 1.” Nilsson also noted that they will need a driver and food service workers but until they have contracts they can’t pay for food service contracts.
There have been a couple of fundraisers held by the center, one to ensure there were holiday food boxes available for the elderly and another that will assist with the cost of the food handlers training. Arizona Public Service has also provided a grant to replace 50 chairs and six tables. Kitchen equipment has also being upgraded, with a raffle currently being conducted to assist with that cost.
Nilsson anticipates that once the program is established, they will be able to deliver 40-45 meals to seniors each day. But the service is more than just a meal. “Because the person has to be able to go in and see them because they’re also doing a well check.”
According to information provided by Meals on Wheels America, “A knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels can even save lives.”
The board will be looking to additional fundraisers to make up the 20% that needs to be contributed by the local organization to ensure they are ready by the time the program begins.
