Motor Meals Not Just For Seniors

When you think of volunteers bringing meals to people, you might picture people bringing food to seniors who can’t get around. That’s not necessarily the case.  While some seniors receive meals from the 30-year-old Livingston program Motor Meals – which is similar to but not affiliated with the National Meals On Wheels service – younger people who need help can benefit as well.

According to Lauren Glassman, the township’s human services coordinator who has been with the Department of Health, Welfare, and Human Services for the past 19 years, anyone who is primarily homebound can apply for Motor Meals.There is no income eligibility required. After an in-home assessment, a resident can qualify for a few weeks of assistance or long-term help.

“Motor Meals is important not only because it provides a hot meal for someone in need but because our volunteers serve as a link to other Township assistance programs such as transportation and home health services,” said Glassman.   “Our volunteers are our eyes and ears in the community.”

Glassman leads an enthusiastic team of 15 volunteers who deliver meals, Monday through Friday, to those in need. The ARC of Livingston also helps out by delivering once a week. Volunteers may spend a few minutes during each delivery to see if the individual might require additional public assistance.  Many develop personal relationships with those to whom they deliver.  

Presently, the program serves approximately 10 households in town per week.   

Long-time denizen Kathy Murphy loves being a Motor Meals volunteer.

“The people you meet are so warm and appreciative!" Murphy said. "They’re always happy to see you and chat a bit. Going puts me in a good mood and makes me feel good about myself. 

"I look forward to delivering the meals and miss it when I’m not on the schedule. Volunteering for the program has made me a better person. I can see where kids would really benefit from volunteering for it, too.”

The meals themselves are prepared in the well-respected kitchens of St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. The dietary experts at the hospital can accommodate various nutritional requirements to insure that only the most nutritious foods are delivered.  Glassman explained that during last winter’s blizzards, volunteers often delivered two meals in one day just to make sure people were being fed.

The price for Motor Meals is astonishingly low.  One meal per day costs $30 for the week, two are $35, and three are $45. 

Motor Meals is looking for more volunteers. For further information, contact Glassman at 973-535-7961, ext. 231, or email her at lglassman@livingstonnj.org. 

Visit the Township website at www.livingstonnj.org  for information on the different programs offered by the Department of Health, Welfare and Human Services.  Just click on Health under the Departments menu on the left.