Timken, Aultman Foundations Provide Funding for New Computers, Software

We are grateful to the trustees of the Timken Foundation of Canton and the Aultman Foundation, respectively, both of whom approved funding in the last quarter of 2011 for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties to upgrade our information technology systems.

The Timken Foundation provided a $35,000 grant toward the purchase of a new server and new computers for the agency, while the Aultman Foundation provided $6,000 toward new software and data conversion that will improve the agency's record-keeping and data storage.

The ongoing support of local foundations and corporations makes it possible for us to continue our service of providing essential nutrition to homebound individuals in the two-county area. The Timken and Aultman grants will enable us to upgrade important technology and streamline our agency operations for greater efficiency.

Thank you to both of these wonderful area foundations for their generous assistance!

From All of Us at Meals On Wheels...

We are grateful for all of our clients, volunteers, staff and supporters and look forward to a successful year in 2012.

We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and a warm and wonderful New Year!

Waikem Subaru Helps 'Share the Love' With Our Clients

Waikem Subaru in Massillon once again showed their support for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Wednesday, Dec. 14, as two Waikem associates delivered meals for the agency as part of this year's Subaru "Share the Love" Event.

Waikem Subaru salesman Pat Barthel and employee Sid Bender (L to R in photo) joined our regular volunteers and delivered meals to clients in the Massillon area. They drove a Subaru Forester from Waikem during the delivery.

Waikem and Meals On Wheels have a long-standing relationship and have partnered in a variety of ways over the years, and we appreciate their ongoing support. We're currently working with Waikem to facilitate their involvement with a major fundraising event for the agency in 2012.

Our thanks to the Waikem family and to Bob Russell, sales manager at Waikem Subaru, for their support of Meals On Wheels!

CEO Teresa Barry Tapes Segment for Clear Channel's 'Sunday Morning Magazine'

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, visited the studios of Clear Channel Communications in North Canton this morning to tape a segment of "Sunday Morning Magazine."

The public affairs show airs at 7 a.m. Sundays on WHOF-FM (My 101.7) and WRQK-FM (106.9).

Terri was interviewed by host John Amrhein during the 15-minute segment, which touched on the agency's services and background. The program will air on the stations Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 a.m.

It can also be heard on the stations' websites, at www.my1017.com or www.wrqk.com. Click the "Listen Live" button at the top of the page to hear the programming.

CareSource Foundation Provides Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

The CareSource Foundation, based in Dayton, Ohio, has awarded a $5,000 grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

The grant will help underwrite the cost of meals to individuals who either have had to discontinue or forego home meal delivery due to cost, or who have had to reduce the number of days per week that they receive service.

"Our Foundation Board is highly impressed with your understanding of the issues, your strategies and your ability to make this initiative a success," said Cathy Ponitz, executive director of the foundation, in a letter to Meals On Wheels. "Your commitment to this population is critical and we are proud to be associated with this important effort."

"We are grateful to the Foundation and excited to receive their generous grant, particularly at this critical time," said agency CEO Teresa Barry. "The economy has created hardships for many people, and this grant will enable more homebound individuals to receive meals who otherwise might have had to go without them."

Economic Woes, Diet Regulations Impact Meals On Wheels Programs

Meals On Wheels programs face a double-whammy as they work to eliminate senior hunger and provide nutritious meals for America's homebound.

Not only do meal delivery programs need additional funds to offset the ongoing economic recession, but Federal guidelines -- meant to help Americans eat more nutritious foods -- are putting a greater strain on those programs.

It's the topic of a recent article by M. Alex Johnson on msnbc.com, "Economy, diet rules curb Meals on Wheels programs."

"Some Meals on Wheels programs in the U.S. support themselves solely through donations and fundraisers, but many...also rely on government funding," Johnson wrote. Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is among those programs that receive government funding.

When new government regulations take effect, it often changes the way meal programs receiving federal funding can operate -- and those changes can be costly.

Click on the link below to read more:

Economy, diet rules curb Meals on Wheels programs

Ring In the Holidays with December Menu Selections Like Stuffed Cabbage Casserole, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Baked Chicken and More!

The delicious meals just keep on coming as December features a variety of taste-tempting treats! Just click on the image below for a full view of this month's menu. You can also access our menu with a quick click over to our website.

Remember, if you're homebound, or know someone who is, we can provide meal delivery every weekday, all year-round. Just call us at 330-832-7220, or toll-free at 1-800-466-8010, for more information. We provide more than a meal -- we offer peace of mind for clients and their loved ones when we stop in each day for our deliveries

Give us a call -- we're here to help!