For 45 years, local volunteers have been the driving force for Mobile Meals of Tucson.
“We have 375 volunteers who drive at least one day a week — some drive two or three days a week — and I think that being part of an organization that has been around for 45 years makes you very aware that there is a true need for the services provided by that organization,” said Tamara McKinney, director of development and communication for Mobile Meals of Tucson.
The nonprofit, which delivers medically-tailored meals to homebound adults throughout Tucson, Sahuarita and Green Valley, was created by members of the Pima County Medical Society Auxiliary (now the Pima County Medical Society Alliance) after a Meals on Wheels pilot program that provided special dietary meals lost federal funding more than four decades ago.
McKinney said the program, which will serve 100,000 meals this year, fills a niche in the community for both elderly and disabled clients with specific nutritional needs.
The majority of clients have limited incomes and the majority receive one hot meal and one cold meal daily. Meals are prepared by nine partner hospitals and care centers citywide and in Green Valley and are delivered Mondays through Fridays by volunteers.
“We are serving more than 800 adults who are elderly or disabled and homebound. Many have chronic diseases like kidney failure or diabetes or perhaps chewing or swallowing issues and their meals are specially prepared to meet their dietary needs,” she said.
For many clients, the food is more than just sustenance, said volunteer driver Kathy Armbruster, who is also a board member of Mobile Meals and a member of the Pima County Medical Society Alliance.
“It is a safety check for clients when we stop in and take in their meals. They get the chance to chat and visit and, as volunteers, we become very connected, said Armbruster. “We look forward to seeing how they are doing each week.”
Armbruster said she is gratified the grassroots organization also serves young adults and veterans — including amputees, those in wheelchairs and those dealing with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
“There is one young man who fought in Iraq, and it is such a treat to go by and see him. These young adults very much appreciate the services and they are often not catered to by other programs: You don’t have to be a senior to receive services from Mobile Meals, so that is a big differential,” Armbruster said.
Overall, Armbruster said the food delivery is a key factor for many clients in maintaining independence.
“Sometimes the clients we serve just need a little help. This is an affordable option that allows them to stay at home so they are not dependent on living with someone else or in a facility,” she said.
Armbruster and other volunteers hope to raise $40,000 to facilitate services — and boost community awareness about the need for volunteers and support — at the upcoming signature fundraiser, the Fall Fare from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at St. Philip’s Plaza.
Armbruster and McKinney said the fundraiser represents the same spirit, collaboration, effort and community generosity that has fueled Mobile Meals since its inception.
“Besides there being a true need for Mobile Meals to provide medically-tailored food that people need to help them live longer and live better at home, the other important factor is that the community supports it and wants to contribute and be part of it. Without that, I don’t think any organization would last for 45 years,” McKinney said.
