Lynn Vargas

The following comes from Lynn Vargas, R.D./L.D., who is the dietitian for our HAIL project.  HAIL stands for Healthy Aging and Independent Living, and through the project, Lynn provides certain clients with in-home nutrition counseling, education, and diabetes intervention to improve their nutritional and health status.

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Bill’s first HAIL assessment was in October.  At that time, he reported that he was having swallowing difficulties and was awaiting esophageal dilation.  His SLP (speech language pathologist) had recommended pureed diet, and Mr. Stroud stated that he did not know how to prepare foods, much less think of foods with the appropriate texture.  He was also still grieving the death of his wife and stated that she had prepared all of their food so he was lost in the kitchen.

At that time, the RD (registered dietitian) recommended that he use his wife’s food processor to modify the textures of foods and discussed options of foods high in protein and fiber.  Mr. Stroud was drinking 4 cans of Boost/day at this time, and the only foods he felt comfortable eating were mashed potatoes and mashed bananas.  At this visit, his BMI (body mass index) was 18.7.  In January, the RD went to visit Mr. Stroud again and found that he had lost another 20 lbs., bringing his BMI to 16.2.A recent modified barium swallow study had determined that he should be NPO (eating nothing by mouth).  Mr. Stroud chose not to go NPO so his doctor and SLP began working with him to teach safe eating practices.  The SLP began visiting him twice per week to work on swallowing techniques and building swallowing muscles.  The RD asked Mr. Stroud if he had been using the food processor and what types of foods he had been eating.  He reported that he had not felt comfortable using it and that his diet consisted mostly of Boost with occasional cereal, soft vegetables, mashed potatoes and small, fearful bites of other soft foods.  He was terrified to eat but felt strongly about not going NPO or having a PEG (stomach feeding tube).

The RD instructed him on use and cleaning of the food processor, and he pureed a can of soup under the RD’s supervision as they discussed achieving proper textures.  Mr. Stroud stated he was much more comfortable and confident in his abilities after physically using the machine.  He also stated his great appreciation for his case manager (our wonderful Kelly Webb) and for the food he received from MOW (Meals On Wheels), which he stated is very close to gourmet.  He stated that MOW is a “top-notch” organization and that everyone he has come into contact with has been so wonderful and helpful.

For Sack Senior Hunger, employees may bring a sack lunch to work on a designated day and donate the amount they would have spent eating out.  Did you know that for about $5, we can cook, package, and deliver a fresh, nutritious meal to a homebound client anywhere within Tarrant County?

Our homebound clients cannot afford the effects of poor nutrition on their health, yet they cannot easily get out to buy the nutritious food they need, let alone cook it for themselves.  We help when they no longer can live entirely independently but do not need full-time nursing care.

For more information, visit our website or send an e-mail to jessica [at] mealsonwheels [dot] org.

We deliver meals Mondays through Fridays.  You would go to a nearby pick-up site between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. one weekday a week (or maybe even less often than that) to collect meals for your route.  You would receive a sheet with each client’s address; a route is typically only 8–10 stops near the pick-up site.  The best part is you will get to know the clients on your route and become friends and, more importantly, lifelines for those clients who see no one else all day.

You might decide you can deliver a route one weekday a week or only substitute when regular drivers are unavailable.  Many companies adopt a route to share among employees.  You would have to pass a criminal background check and attend an orientation to learn policies and procedures.  We’ll even let you borrow coolers and insulated bags if you need them; keeping hot and cold items separate is essential to each client’s health and enjoyment of the meal.

A bonus is you may claim vehicle mileage used throughout the year as a deduction on your income tax return.  To volunteer, call Director of Volunteers Nedra Cutler at 817-258-6426, send an e-mail to nedra [at] mealsonwheels [dot] org or visit mealsonwheels.org.

This new birthday card design comes from Marilyn Jonas, one of our Arlington volunteers.  She loves working with water media, and cats have been one of her favorite subjects since she taught elementary art years ago.

Proceeds from the sale of any card will provide meals for the homebound elderly and disabled residents of Tarrant County who need just a little help meeting their nutritional needs each day.

Albertson’s Community Partners barcodes
Kroger Neighbor To Neighbor enrollment form
Tom Thumb Good Neighbor enrollment form

If you have previously linked your Kroger reward card to our organization, Kroger requires you to relink it each year.  Customers can begin to re-link their cards each year during the summer.  No accumulation of funds occurs during May and June.  Accumulation of donations begins July 1 each year and goes through April 30 of the following year.  The Tom Thumb and Albertsons programs do not require you to re-enroll.

We appreciate everyone who helped make this happen, whether through donating or just spreading the word.  Our friends and neighbors throughout Tarrant County are going to stay safe, healthy, and warm because of you.

Remember that the more money donated through our campaign page, the more we can help our homebound neighbors.  Will you help us spread awareness about this special fundraiser?

We had a fantastic response during the campaign’s first day and want to continue that momentum.  Remember that the more money donated through our campaign page, the more we can help our homebound neighbors!

Will you be one to help us spread awareness about our G-Team fundraising campaign?  Gretchen and Ms. Smith thank you for your support!

40 people pledge $10 toward our campaign, then it “tips,” and eight homebound residents of Tarrant County will receive an entire week’s worth of nutritious meals and a safe, new heater for the winter — all delivered right to their doorstep.  If at least 40 people do not pledge to donate, the campaign will not “tip,” donors’ credit cards will not be charged, and we will receive no funds.  So word-of-mouth (or word-of-computer) is crucial!

Every additional $50 provides another elderly or disabled client with a week’s worth of freshly cooked meals and a heater for the winter, so we need your help to keep as many of our homebound neighbors as possible safe, healthy, and warm:

1. Go to our campaign page.

2. Help us reach the tipping point by donating and sharing the link on your social networks.

2. Update your social media status to tell everyone about the campaign’s progress and help us spread awareness during our three-day G-Team campaign.

Thank you for your support!