To the Editor,
With Meals on Wheels programs nationwide the subject of intense media coverage over the past week, the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels of New Canaan (MOWNC) would like to address some of the issues that have been raised and how this will affect our local program.
Meals on Wheels of New Canaan has been delivering nutritious meals to those in need in our community since 1972. The service we provide makes a real difference in peoples’ lives and allows them to remain in their homes.
Meals on Wheels of New Canaan devotes over 90 percent of funds raised to client services. The volunteer Board of Directors administers the program and our 125 dedicated volunteer drivers deliver the meals to our clients each weekday throughout the year. In the last fiscal year, we served over 16,000 hot and cold meals to 72 New Canaan residents. While MOWNC heavily subsidizes all meal costs, 33 percent of our clients qualify to receive meals at no cost.
Meals on Wheels of New Canaan does not solicit nor do we receive any money directly from the federal government. A small number of our clients receive meals partially paid for by sources that are at risk if proposed budget cuts are enacted, a cost we are prepared to absorb, if necessary, to ensure that no one goes without food. This makes our annual appeal, which was launched earlier this month, more important than ever, as the funds raised now are essential to keep our program running throughout the year.
If anyone is considering giving to Meals on Wheels of New Canaan this year, and has questions or concerns, please contact our Community Coordinator, Linda Haney, at 203-594-5318 and ask to be connected with a member of the board.
We feel very lucky to be a part of the caring community of New Canaan and hope that your trust in us continues.
Sincerely,
Mark Hofmann, President
Meredith Landis, Vice President
Kate Koler, Secretary
Stephanie Radman, Treasurer
Beth Baker
Jennifer Pivirotto
Diane Hanauer
Deborah Sanders
Martha Lane
Mary Swift