STEVENS POINT, Wis. - Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital is playing a vital role in providing nutritious meals to those in need in the local community. Through its collaboration with Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point, the hospital’s nutritional services team ensures that homebound individuals - many of whom are elderly or disabled - receive hot, diet-specific meals delivered to their doorsteps.
Each day, the nutrition services team at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital dedicates 2.5 full-time equivalent staff hours to prepare meals for the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers then pick up the meals at the hospital and deliver them to clients in the greater Stevens Point area.
“Our team is passionate about the healing power of healthy, great-tasting food,” said Catherine Noth, the hospital’s manager of food and nutrition services. “We are gratified to know that our time and talents are being shared with those in need throughout our community.”
Meals are delivered Monday through Thursday by volunteers, who drive 16 routes daily, serving between 8 and 14 recipients per route. Volunteers donate their time as it fits their schedules. The program is entirely volunteer-driven, and the Meals on Wheels team is always in need of new volunteers to ensure the program can continue to meet the growing demand.
The program primarily serves individuals over the age of 60, with 77.6% of recipients being over 75 years old. The meals provided are not just nutritious but tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of older adults, including low sodium, low cholesterol, and carb-controlled options, as well as modifications for those with swallowing difficulties or severe arthritis. For many recipients, Meals on Wheels provides more than just food - it offers a sense of safety and community connection. According to Tasha Beestman, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point, in 2023, 37,517 meals were provided, 744 wellness checks were completed by volunteers, and 509 interventions were made, including calls to emergency services and referrals to other community resources.
The Meals on Wheels program is funded through a combination of grants, community donations, Older Americans Act funds, and recipient contributions. The average recipient donation is $2.50 per meal. While recipients are encouraged to donate toward the cost of their meals, no one is turned away due to inability to contribute. According to Beestman, of the 37,517 total meals provided in 2023, more than 14,000 went to recipients who were unable to contribute at a cost of $74,718.
Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital’s involvement in this vital community service reinforces its commitment to improving the health and well-being of those it serves. Through its efforts, the hospital is not only nourishing the bodies of homebound individuals but also providing a sense of connection, security, and care to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
For more information about Meals on Wheels or to volunteer, please contact Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point at 715-341-0081 or meals@mealsonwheelssp.com.