La Jolla Meals on Wheels, which provides meals and visits to homebound senior citizens and disabled people in La Jolla and nearby neighborhoods in University City, has delivered its 1 millionth meal since its founding in 1974, Program Director Jane Semelsberger announced Oct. 29.
“When the organization was founded … a group of concerned local community members delivered meals to just a small number of their neighbors in need — some who had a recent surgery or hospitalization, others who were not able to leave their home to shop for groceries, and others who could not cook meals for medical reasons,” Semelsberger said in a statement. “Since that time, the agency’s Senior Nutrition Program has served over 2,000 clients.”
The Monday-through-Friday home-delivered meal service includes two diabetic-friendly, low-sodium meals daily for lunch and dinner, plus beverages.
Client Judy Porter (left) poses with the millionth meal delivered by La Jolla Meals on Wheels with volunteer Sharon Thibeault. (La Jolla Meals on Wheels)
In 2013, La Jolla Meals on Wheels launched its Friendly Visitors Program, which provides one- to two-hour free weekly visits by volunteers to homebound seniors in the nonprofit organization’s service area.
Semelsberger said there has been a growing need for nutritious meals and regular wellness checks for local homebound seniors since the COVID-19 pandemic.
She added that recent periods of higher inflation prompted the board to subsidize the home-delivered meals for all clients.
“Donated funds are primarily used to subsidize at 100% the cost of meals for those unable to pay,” Semelsberger said. “But the meals for low-moderate-income clients are partially subsidized due to our recent 120+% meal cost increase.”
To learn more about the Senior Nutrition and Friendly Visitors programs or to volunteer or donate, visit lajollamealsonwheels.org or call 858-452-0391. ♦