Mayors For Meals Day March 21 In Plymouth, Wayzata

Mayors Kelli Slavik and Mayor Ken Wilcox participated in Mayors for Meals Day March 21 with the Meals on Wheels Association.

Along wiht hundreds of others, the two were part of a national effort delivering meals to people in the communities they serve.

On the third Wednesday of every month, a team of Plymouth employees make  bring meals to the people served by the program who are usually elderly, homebound or recovering from an injury or illness.

Plymouth has a core team of five to seven employees who alternate picking up, prepared food and delivering it locally during their lunch hour. 

"I think it is wonderful that the city staff are involved in this great service," said Plymouth Volunteer Coordinator Jackie Maas. "Meals on Wheels is a great way to be involved in our community and give back. Your visit may be the only personal contact a person has that day. In giving of your time, you actually come away feeling better about yourself."

The Meals On Wheels Association of America created the March For Meals campaign in 2002 to raise awareness about senior hunger by connecting local businesses and public officials with Senior Nutrition Programs. The Wayzata-Plymouth Meals on Wheels (WPMOW) has participated in this effort for the past few years by inviting the mayors of Wayzata and Plymouth to join its efforts by delivering meals to people in their communities.

"I love delivering Meals on Wheels in the city of Plymouth," said volunteer and Office Support Representative Kris Hofstedt. "It really gives me a good feeling to know that I am making sure they get a good meal to eat. Even though we only deliver once a month, I think many of us would agree you start to feel a strong connection with some of the residents. I know I do."

WPMOW has been serving Wayzata and Plymouth for almost 40 years. Since being founded in 1973, we have been partners with the Carlson Company. The Carlson Co. employee cafeteria staff provides delicious meals for the program’s clients each day. Carlson allows WPMOW to maintain a low price for the meals by providing us with financial assistance as well.  These warm meals provide not only daily nutrition but a friendly smile and a check-in service from the community volunteers who deliver them.  This brings peace of mind to both the client and their families.

In 2011, the WPMOW program served roughly 6,500 meals to about 50 clients. Eighty volunteers distribute the meals Monday through Friday per month serving all of Wayzata, Hamel, and the southwestern areas of Plymouth. There are two other meals programs that help cover the rest of Plymouth. WPMOW helps seniors take an active step towards an independent and healthy lifestyle.  No one is turned away from its services. 

If you or someone you know could use Meals on Wheels services, or if someone wishes to donate to feed a senior, please contact Jo Rimmereid at 763-553-7762. 

(Editor's Note: Information submitted by Jo Rimmereid with the Wayzata-Plymouth Meals on Wheels program.)