Spuddy Buddy Rolls Through Massillon; St. Mary Students Get Up-Close View

The Famous Idaho Potato Tour lived up to its billing this morning as the Idaho Potato Commission's giant potato rolled into our parking lot on board "Spuddy Buddy," the truck that has been traveling the nation's highways since April.

The tour pulled in at 10 a.m. Kaiti, Ellis and Paul (the driver) hopped out and began preparing for a visit by fifth and sixth grade students from St. Mary School in Massillon. Meanwhile, several visitors stopped by and took photos of the giant spud, specially constructed for the tour that celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Idaho Potato Commission.

The school bus carrying the students arrived at 11 a.m. Tour staff began by asking questions to see what they really knew about potatoes and why they're so nutritious. Students who gave correct answers received Spuddy Buddy plush potato dolls as prizes. Afterward, Kaiti, Ellis and Paul answered the students' questions about potatoes and the tour.

The crew also made a presentation to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. On behalf of the Commission, Kaiti said that a month's worth of potatoes would be donated to the agency to be used in menu items for client meals. She made the presentation to Teresa Barry, our CEO.

Students posed for group photos with the potato before leaving at 11:30 to return to school. From Massillon, the tour headed to Pittsburgh, and from there on to Hartford, Conn.

Our thanks to the Idaho Potato Commission for their support, and to the Famous Idaho Potato Tour for including us on their schedule!

The staff of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

poses with the Famous Idaho Potato Tour truck

Challenges Met: Meals On Wheels Profiled in Massillon Independent's 'Progress' Section

"Creativity and community support" allowed Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties to continue to fulfill its mission in 2011 despite numerous challenges, according to a profile in the Massillon Independent's "Progress 2012" section on March 10.

The article discusses how the rising cost of fuel carries over to the cost of food, which in turn has gone up. Both increases affect the agency's bottom line.

As a result, "we're inventing new ways to keep the business going," CEO Teresa Barry told the Independent.

Click on the article image for a larger, readable version.

National Association Awards Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties for 'Share the Love' Promotion Activities

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has been awarded a $1,000 grant from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) in recognition of our participation in MOWAA’s 2011 "Share The Love" Most Meals Contest.

As part of Subaru of America's “Share The Love” Event, Waikem Subaru associates delivered meals during the holiday season. The Waikem Auto Group is also assisting us with plans for a major fundraiser in 2012.

"We have enjoyed a wonderful working partnership with Waikem for several years now, and we appreciate their continued support during this year's campaign," said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

MOWAA created the Most Meals Contest to foster partnerships between local Meals On Wheels programs and Subaru dealerships.

The Subaru "Share The Love" Event ran from November 19, 2011 to January 3, 2012. Subaru is donating $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during that time to the customer's choice of one of five charities, including MOWAA.

Royal Canin Provides Record Donation -- 15 Tons! -- to Our Annual Pet Food Drive

Royal Canin, a leading worldwide manufacturer of premium pet food products, has once again provided a major boost to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties by donating 30,000 pounds of product to our annual pet food drive.

It is the third consecutive year that Royal Canin has supported the agency’s efforts. The donation was facilitated by the Banfield Charitable Trust, sponsors of the "Season of Suppers" pet food drive conducted each holiday season by member agencies of the Meals On Wheels Association of America.

The donated food, along with local contributions from residents and businesses in Stark and Wayne counties, will be distributed to Meals On Wheels clients in need of food for their pets.

“Royal Canin’s support has invigorated our annual pet food drive and help us reach unprecedented heights,” said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. “We are grateful for their generosity, which helps so many homebound people provide proper care and nutrition for their pets.”

D&S Distribution of Wooster is again assisting with storage of the food. The Banfield Charitable Trust has also provided Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties with funding for additional storage space in Massillon.

Royal Canin, based in St. Charles, Mo., is a store brand carried by Petsmart, which houses Banfield, The Pet Hospital locations inside many of its stores.

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."

Employees of Progressive Chevrolet and Progressive Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Support Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

Once again this year, we extend a big "thank you" to the employees of Progressive Chevrolet and Progressive Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Massillon.

Through their respective employee civic funds, the dealerships donated $2,000 each -- a total of $4,000 -- to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

The employees at Progressive have supported us in this way for many years, and we are grateful for their generosity. "This year's contributions were particularly generous, and it couldn't have come at a better time," said CEO Teresa Barry. "Our expenses have risen due to the ever-changing prices of food and gasoline, so this donation was a real boost for us."

Terri accepted the donations in person at the dealerships on Nov. 21.

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties Recognizes Toyota USA, Cain Toyota

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties presented a plaque of appreciation to Brian Cain, vice president of Cain Toyota in North Canton, for the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that the agency recently won in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program

The presentation was made by Dave Grimm, board president, during a luncheon following the board meeting on Nov. 16 at our administrative office in Massillon. (Pictured: CEO Teresa Barry, Brian Cain, Dave Grimm.)

"It's remarkable, what Toyota has done to support non-profits across the country," Dave said during the presentation. "On behalf of the board, staff and volunteers of Meals On Wheels – and, most important, our clients – we want to thank Toyota USA and Cain Toyota for their gift, and we present this plaque as a small token of our appreciation for your generosity and friendship."

Dave also acknowledged Cain Toyota's additional donation of $2,500 to the agency, which will be matched by an equal contribution from Toyota USA.

Mr. Cain accepted on behalf of his dealership and Toyota USA. "We're glad to help, and glad that the Highlander will be put to such good use serving the community," he said.

Our Sixth Annual Pet Food Drive Is Underway!

At Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, we welcome donations of pet food from area companies, organizations and individuals toward our sixth annual pet food drive. The pet food we collect is provided to our homebound clients for their pets.

“This program makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients, all of whom are homebound,” said CEO Teresa Barry. “They are deeply grateful to have food delivered for their pets along with their own meals.”

Collection bins are available at:

• Banfield, The Pet Hospital, inside Petsmart on Dressler Rd. in North Canton
• Banfield, The Pet Hospital, inside Petsmart on Lincoln Way East in Massillon
• PBS Animal Health, 2780 Richville Dr. S.E., Massillon
• Surbey Feed & Supply, 9 Canal St. W., Navarre
• Tractor Supply, 4020 Erie Ave. S.W., Massillon
• Belloni Foods, 258 S. Wabash Ave., Brewster

Donations of dog or cat food may also be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at our office building, located at 2363 Nave St. S.E. in Massillon, near The Legends golf course.

We've collected more than 46,000 pounds of pet food over the past five years. Over the last 18 months, the program has grown to the point that we were able to provide pet food for the entire year. Year-round, climate-controlled storage is provided by D&S Distribution of Wooster.

The pet food drive, which runs through Dec. 31, is part of the “Season of Suppers” campaign, sponsored in part by the Banfield Charitable Trust of Portland, Ore.

Our New Toyota Is Here!

Tuesday was a banner day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. During a ceremony at Cain Toyota in North Canton, we were presented with our new 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which we won in July as a result of Facebook voting in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program.

Brian Cain, vice president of Cain Toyota, and Brad Briede from Toyota's regional office in Cincinnati were on hand to present the Highlander to Meals On Wheels. In attendance from the agency were Teresa Barry, CEO; board members Dave Grimm, Dan Plumly and James Pritchard; Nora Logsdon, program manager and dietitian; and Tom Delamater, public relations administrator.

Mr. Cain had another surprise in store during the ceremony. After explaining a new "dealer match" donation program recently initiated by Toyota, he presented the agency with a check from Cain Toyota for $2,500 -- which Toyota's corporate office will match, netting a $5,000 gift to Meals On Wheels.

The Highlander will be used for food deliveries to our sites, client meal deliveries, and other agency business as needed. Included with the donation of the vehicle was a free extended warranty package from Toyota.

"We are grateful beyond words for Toyota's generosity," Terri said. "Not only for the Highlander, but also for the financial donation from Cain Toyota and their corporate division.

"Toyota's support for non-profits through the 100 Cars for Good program and the dealer match donation program is an incredible gesture of community support, not just locally, but nationwide," she said. "What they are doing for organizations around the country is truly amazing."

You can read more about the presentation ceremony in an article in today's Canton Repository.

(Pictured above, L to R: Board members James Pritchard, Dave Grimm and Dan Plumly; CEO Teresa Barry; Brian Cain, VP of Cain Toyota; and Brad Briede of Toyota's Cincinnati regional office.)

New Center on Nutrition and Aging an Important Step in the Fight Against Senior Hunger

A new national resource center being established by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is an important step in addressing the problem of senior hunger in America.

The National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging will provide MOWAA member agencies and other organizations—such as national, state and regional agencies involved with aging—with the research and resources needed to effectively maintain community-based nutrition programs for older adults.

A $315,000 grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) provided initial funding for the center.

“The AoA grant recognizes MOWAA and its network of member nutrition programs across the country for our leadership in addressing the serious problem of senior hunger in America,” said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and a board member for Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), based in Alexandria, Va.

“In addition to providing critical information and needed resources for current nutrition providers, the National Resource Center will be a focal point for making certain that Meals On Wheels and other senior nutrition programs will be ‘future ready’ to meet the demands of an increasingly older population in this country,” said Enid Borden, President and CEO of MOWAA (pictured at right).

The Center will become a clearinghouse of resources designed to connect senior nutrition, health and the provision of nutrition services. This information will be available to assist local meal providers with the resources needed to provide nutritious meals more efficiently now and in the future, and will enable the public to obtain important information about nutrition and health.

Barry also sits on the board of the Meals On Wheels Research Foundation, which works to eliminate hunger and malnutrition among America’s seniors through research, education, fundraising and community awareness.

“We continue to sound the alarm about the growing problem of senior hunger in this country,” said Barry. “Slowly but surely the message is getting out, and we’re seeing growth in donations, corporate and foundation support, and volunteerism.

“Working together with the Administration on Aging, MOWAA and its member programs will be a more powerful and effective advocate for seniors and other Americans who are nutritionally at-risk.”

********************

For more information:

News release from the Meals On Wheels Association of America

News release from the U.S. Administration on Aging

Congress Must Reauthorize the Older Americans Act; Here's How You Can Make Your Voice Heard

Did you know that one in three older Americans is economically insecure, living just one bad break away from an economic crisis? Or that one in nine is at-risk for hunger?

Meals On Wheels and other programs supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA) help vulnerable seniors avoid hunger and financial crisis. This groundbreaking legislation, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, strengthened the economic and health conditions of senior citizens in the United States.

As Congress debates OAA funding and reauthorization this fall, we must raise our voices in support of this critical legislation. Our CEO Teresa Barry voiced her concern in an opinion piece that ran in The Repository, the daily paper in Canton, Ohio, in June 2010. As Terri wrote:

"The flexibility of the Older Americans Act enables it to assist a segment of the population that does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. However, since it is not an entitlement program as those are, and as Social Security is, it is not guaranteed funding by Congress."

That is why Congress must be reminded of the importance of the OAA and the programs it supports.

For more information on the campaign to support the Older Americans Act, visit the One Away website.

Listen to Our CEO, Program Manager on WHBC's 'Health Matters' Radio Program

CEO Teresa Barry and Dietitian/Program Manager Nora Logsdon of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties appeared on this morning's edition of "Health Matters with The Medicine Center Pharmacy" on Newstalk 1480 WHBC in Canton.

Terri and Nora were interviewed by hosts Paul White and Brad White of the Medicine Center. "Health Matters" airs every Friday morning on WHBC. They discussed the history and mission of our agency, along with information about how we plan and prepare our meals and how people can begin home delivery.

To listen to the entire interview, follow this link to the WHBC program archives: Health Matters with The Medicine Center Pharmacy. Scroll down to the audio of the Oct. 7 program.

Congratulations to Nicholas Singer of Massillon, Winner of Our Buehler's Shopping Spree Promotion

During June and July, Rick Mirenzi and Pastor Berry Carter of the Akron-Canton Connection radio show on WHBC helped spread the word about a shopping spree promotion at Buehler's grocery store in Jackson Township.

Tickets were available for $5 each for a chance to win a 90-second shopping spree, with proceeds going to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. Nicholas Singer of Massillon was the winner as the result of a drawing that took place live on the air during Rick and Berry's show on July 27.

Nicholas' big day came on Tuesday, Aug. 23, as he was greeted at Buehler's by Rick and by Teresa Barry and Nora Logsdon of Meals On Wheels, and Dave Allen of Buehler's Community Relations.

Not only did Nicholas gain a basketful of food, but Meals On Wheels raised more than $500 thanks to the promotion! We congratulate Nicholas and thank Buehler's and the Akron-Canton Connection for their support of Meals On Wheels.

More Coverage of the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest, From The Suburbanite in Jackson Township

With the memory of our highly successful Meals On Wheels Fun Fest still vivid in our minds, we were reminded once again of the wonderful support from the community when The Suburbanite ran a story summarizing the event in this week's Jackson Township edition.

Staff writer Emily Gaffney attended the Fun Fest and interviewed several key individuals involved in the event, including: Teresa Barry, Meals On Wheels CEO; Rick Mirenzi, co-host of The Akron-Canton Connection on WHBC radio; Ted Watko, human resources director at Diebold, Inc., one of the key sponsors; and Tom Delamater, PR administrator at Meals On Wheels.

The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest took place on Saturday, June 25 at Sluggers & Putters family fun park in Canal Fulton. Fifteen corporate teams participated in morning challenge events, and more than 700 people packed the park in the afternoon, all to raise money for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

To read Emily's story, follow this link to the Suburbanite's web site.

Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge Featured in Canton Repository

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge received wonderful coverage in today's edition of The Repository, the daily paper in Canton, Ohio.

Gary Brown, editor of the paper's "Your Life" section, ran a story titled "Event to help raise funds for Meals on Wheels." The story provides the details of the event, which will take place on Saturday, June 25, at Sluggers & Putters fun park in Canal Fulton. The morning will feature a corporate challenge, with teams from area sponsoring companies competing in good-natured, fun events, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The park will be open to the public from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Admission during that time will be just $10 per person, for unlimited access to all park activities -- miniature golf, go karts, bumper boats, the Monkey Jump, bumper cars, the batting cages, the rock climbing wall, and the golf driving range. All proceeds will benefit Meals On Wheels.

The article details how Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter, hosts of "The Akron-Canton Connection" on WHBC-AM in Canton, had Meals On Wheels CEO Teresa Barry on their program.

"We didn't realize that Meals on Wheels reaches 2,000 people a day," the article quotes Mirenzi as saying. "And she told us what a difficult time volunteers were having when gas prices started to spike."

From that, the idea for the Fun Fest was born. Click on the image to the left to see the clipping of the Repository story.

For more information on the Fun Fest, see "Enjoy Sluggers & Putters Fun Park for Just $10 and Support Meals On Wheels, Saturday, June 25!" on our agency blog, or call us at 330-832-7220.

Banfield Grant to Provide Additional Storage Space

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has been awarded a grant by the Banfield Charitable Trust of Portland, Ore., to provide a storage shed that will house pet food collected each year in our annual pet food drive.

Over the years Banfield has been a generous partner with our agency, helping to build our pet food collection program into the largest among Meals On Wheels agencies in the country.

"We're grateful for Banfield's generosity," said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. "They have facilitated the growth of our pet food program and made a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients who have pets."

Based on a recommendation from Banfield, Royal Canin donated eight pallets of pet food to our agency in 2009, and followed that with a whopping 36 pallets of food in 2010. (See the WKYC-TV report from January 2011, "Meals on Wheels feeding furry friends too.")

The bulk of the food collected is stored at a warehouse facility in Wooster owned by board member Bill DeRodes. However, we typically keep several hundred pounds of food on hand just inside our shipping dock in Massillon. A new shed will allow for such storage while freeing up space for equipment and regular shipments that arrive for our commissary.

Once the grant check is received, we plan to have the new shed in use by fall.

Diebold Foundation Provides Support for Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has received a grant from the Diebold Foundation to purchase equipment for our commissary in Massillon.

The foundation awarded our agency the grant to purchase a number of items that for our commissary that will enable us to better prepare meals for the special needs of many of our clients.

"We accommodate specialized diets for those who require them, such as mechanical soft diets, liquid diets, pureed meals, and more," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "We are grateful to the Diebold Foundation for their timely support."

The Diebold Foundation is the charitable giving arm of Diebold, Inc., a North Canton, Ohio-based provider of self-service and security delivery systems.

Our Thanks to the Massillon Rotary Foundation for Their Support

The Massillon Rotary Foundation Trust has awarded a grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties to help purchase a number of small equipment items.

The foundation board approved a request for $2,000 for the purchase of 50 new Rubbermaid coolers, along with a number of smallware items for the commissary. The coolers will be used by volunteers in the Massillon area for meal deliveries to clients.

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels, attended the Rotary's March 31 meeting to receive the grant check.

The trust provides grants, primarily for health and wellness purposes, to organizations that serve the Massillon and Western Stark County areas.

Our thanks to our friends at the Massillon Rotary Club, and to the board of the Massillon Rotary Foundation Trust!

Listen to Our CEO on WHBC's "Akron-Canton Connection" Radio Program

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, and our program manager, Nora Logsdon, will appear on this morning's "Akron-Canton Connection" program on WHBC radio, 1480 AM in Canton. The program begins at 9:10 a.m. EST and runs until 10 o'clock.

To listen to the program live, or to access their archive of shows to listen to it later, click on this link.

Terri was scheduled to appear in February, but severe winter weather required her attention that morning at the agency. She ended up appearing on the program via a brief phone interview. Her full appearance was rescheduled for today.

The Akron-Canton Connection, with hosts Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter, focuses on encouraging stories about people and organizations who strive to make a difference in the community. It airs Wednesdays at 9:10 a.m. They have their own web site at www.akroncantonconnection.com.