Rockland Meals on Wheels Celebrates Delivery of 8,000th Meal

NANUET, NY — Senator David Carlucci joined Meals on Wheels of Rockland as they delivered a warm meal to a 102-year-old senior, the 8,000th meal that the Rockland organization has handed out.

Carlucci helped Meals on Wheels secure $50,000 in funding that was used to support the Homebound Meal Delivery Program and pare down its waiting list.

The program provides nutritionally balanced meals delivered to any county resident who is shut-in due to illness, physical disability or advanced age and who cannot shop or cook for themselves. Close to 80 percent of Meals on Wheels’ home-delivered meals are to seniors 75 years of age or older.

“Getting this funding for Meals on Wheels is critical to helping our region combat hunger. Meals on Wheels shares my belief that those in need deserve assistance," Carlucci said in announcing the milestone. "Programs like Meals on Wheels are the lifeblood of our community and I will continue to support them in the State Senate.”

Meals are prepared and packaged in Meals on Wheels’ central commissary. Each meal meets the Required Daily Allowance for good nutrition. In total, Meals on Wheels has delivered over 9 million meals in Rockland County.

“We are grateful to Senator Carlucci for securing this $50,000 grant,” said Stephen Papas, Director of Development for Meals on Wheels. “This year, 58 older adults were able to receive meals, thanks to this funding, instead of being placed on our wait list.”