Meals On Wheels of Tampa and Feeding Tampa Bay to Deliver Free Produce to 700 Homebound on Saturday

TAMPA, Fla. - Feb. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- TAMPA, FL, Saturday, February 20, 2016 – Meals On Wheels of Tampa launches for the third time ever, a new program, Produce On Wheels (POW), in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, to increase senior and homebound access to fresh produce.  Over 100 individuals, businesses and community groups will volunteer their time, vehicle, and gas to deliver pre-packed bags of fresh produce to 700 home delivered meal recipients (HDM) tomorrow morning, Saturday, February 20th.  Produce bags are free of charge to HDM recipients.

Groups helping to deliver produce on Saturday morning include the USF College of Public Health, Suncoast Credit Union, Grow Financial, Regenerative Medicine, Chubb Insurance and Temple Terrace Women’s Club. In response to this program, partnerships have developed with the following groups: Feeding Tampa Bay, University of South Florida, Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger, University of Florida Extension Office, Next Stop Produce, and others.

This is very exciting for Meals On Wheels of Tampa whose mission is to nourish, enrich, and strengthen the independent lives of the homebound and seniors in Tampa.  POW was developed in response to results collected from a survey that was sent out to all 700 HDM recipients in August.

“Bringing us fresh fruits and vegetables is a blessing. The closest grocery store is over 3 miles away from my house and I can't drive...even if I got a ride, I can't stand long enough to shop... so fresh is hard for me to get.  I know I have lived this long because of good health and good nutrition- I am certain that fresh fruits and veggies are the best medicine and have helped kept me alive this long," said Barbara, HDM recipient.

In addition to increasing access to produce, this opportunity has increased volunteer opportunities for those who may not be available to deliver meals during the week.

Recipients will also receive an educational handout that highlights the nutritional advantages of the items in the bag, tips to reduce waste, recipe ideas, and produce safety.  Feedback will also be collected from recipients and volunteers to evaluate the program launch so we can continue to improve the program. Professor Lauri Wright from the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health will assist Meals On Wheels of Tampa staff in evaluating the effectiveness of this program on Tampa’s seniors and homebound. Pre-test surveys are currently underway; post-test surveys will begin in March.

Future POW/Saturday delivery dates are: March 19^th, April 16^th, and May 21^st (Hurricane Prep Pack Day) We hope to expand the program later this year.

Interested in volunteering or want to learn more about Meals On Wheels of Tampa? Please visit www.MOWTampa.org/volunteer or call (813) 238-8410.

If you would like to start receiving meals or if you know someone in need, please visit www.MOWTampa.org or call (813) 238-8410 today.

About Meals On Wheels of Tampa:
Meals On Wheels of Tampa has been committed to nourishing and enriching the independent lives of the homebound and seniors of Tampa since 1975. Today, Meals On Wheels of Tampa serves over 700 people with a hot meal during the lunch hour.  Meals On Wheels of Tampa is a 4-star charity and relies on its community for support by not accepting government funding.

Meals On Wheels of Tampa and Feeding Tampa Bay to Deliver Free Produce to 700 Homebound on Saturday