Meals on Wheels Works to Shed Light on Hunger

By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

March 22 -- For many homebound Santa Monicans who struggle each day with the simple task of feeding themselves, hunger is a problem that remains behind closed doors.

Yet this March, Meals on Wheels is working to expose the issue that silently affects countless elderly and disabled individuals across the nation, kicking off its third annual "March for Meals" campaign to let people know they need not face the problem alone.

"We are working to bring attention to the fact that hunger is an unfortunate part of life for many people," said RoseMary Regalbuto, executive director of Meals on Wheels West. "It doesn't have to be that way though."

For three decades, Meals on Wheels West has provided thousands of meals for individuals in the area who are homebound and unable to shop or cook for themselves.

Last year, over 650 area clients -- ranging in age from 32 to 102 -- received 150,000 meals, including meals for people who have special diets.

Because Meals on Wheels West serves such well-to-do cities as Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Malibu, many people may not be aware of the desperate situation some face, Regalbuto said.

"We have had people who are clients now who have eaten cat food because they were so hungry, or going through dumpsters in alleys to find something to eat," said Regalbuto, who noted that the majority of their clients are elderly and live on fixed incomes.

"A lot of elderly think of it as a charity and, as so, are reluctant to take advantage of the service," said Regalbuto. "The thing to keep in mind is that our main goal is to help people age with dignity."

With food alone costing nearly $250,000 per year, Meals on Wheels West relies heavily on its nearly 300 volunteers for support, some of whom have been with the group since it started more than 30 years ago, Rigalduto said

The volunteers typically sacrifice a couple hours per week to help drive and deliver food, as well as provide brief companionship for people who often live alone, she said.

"When they go to deliver the meals, the reward is there," Regalbuto said. "They're on the front lines out there. They see what it does they are doing for another human being, which is powerful."

March for Meals began in 2002 -- 30 years after the federal government enacted the Older Americans Act establishing senior meal programs -- to call attention to the problem of senior hunger in America.

The campaign, representatives say, is the way Meals on Wheels Association of America recognizes the importance of this federal commitment.

For more information on meal service, volunteer opportunities or donations visit www.mealsonwheelswest.org or call Meals on Wheels West at 310-394-5133.