Once every five weeks staff members from the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments deliver meals to members of the community who are unable to leave their homes through the metro-wide Meals on Wheels program. Typically, five police officers and firefighters deliver 6-8 meals each to Eden Prairie residents who are either homebound, elderly or disabled. The program is coordinated locally through St. Andrew’s Church in Eden Prairie where the meals are prepared and packaged by volunteers.
The program helps people remain independent and in their homes. Besides providing a nutritious meal to people, delivering meals to their doors also provides a safety check for the residents. There is no cost to the City. Meal recipients typically pay $3.00 – $6.00 per meal.
According to Officer Elizabeth Stroner who coordinates this program for the Police Department, “Meals on Wheels provides the Police and Fire Departments with an opportunity to have a positive interaction with residents in a non-emergency situation. Many times the recipients have questions that only a police officer can answer.”
To learn more about Meals on Wheels in Minnesota visit their website: http://www.meals-on-wheels.com/home.
