Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Meals on Wheels

Stephanie Jones and Lorraine Finkelstein call Hout Bay and the surrounding communities to support the elderly with food donations. 

Jones is the centre manager of Meals on Wheels, which is a service that delivers nutritious meals to Hout Bay’s aging population. This demographic often cannot cook for themselves or go out to the grocery store due to medical or financial issues. 

“The elderly are precious people that we should look after,” Jones said. 

Emma Derr, Stephanie, Khusi, Lorraine, and Jasmine at Bush Radio.

She said that although we live in a “throwaway society,” the elderly deserve an immense amount of care and respect. Unfortunately, many older people do not have the help of their families and need outside support. This is where Meals on Wheels comes in.

The organization began in 1966. Volunteers cook the meals, load them into vehicles, and then deliver them to the doorsteps of individuals usually 60 and older. Meals on Wheels asks for a 15 rand donation per meal from the individuals, but Jones said that usually they cannot afford it. 

She said that sponsors are the ones that save the day. Many locals sponsor one elderly person per month, which costs around 200 rand. They also receive government funding. Meals on Wheels is seeking young volunteers. Finkelstein, who is a board member of the organization, has been volunteering since November and said that she would love to see younger people involved in taking care of their elders. 

If you cannot donate time, donate food! Here is a list of materials: vegetables, fruit, bulgur wheat, rice, spices, bread and baking flour, baking soda, corn starch, cutlery, plates, sideplates, soup bowls, dish clothes, and stationary. 

Jones said the organization’s goal is to eventually live in a hunger free Africa. You can contact Meals on Wheels at their landline: 021 764 2443. 

Presented and produced by Jasmine Mazwi, Khusi Veto, and Emma Derr.

 --Emma Derr

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