Horizons hopeful on 2021 plans for Meals on Wheels

CEDAR RAPIDS — With the intended impact of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccinations, Horizons, A Family Service Alliance is optimistic that it can resume delivery of hot lunches to clients in the Meals on Wheels program by the beginning of this summer. The agency has provided frozen meals and breakfast bags on a weekly basis since March 2020.

“Both our clients and volunteers have indicated to us they miss the daily interaction that goes with bringing a noon meal to a homebound senior, and after one year away from that, we are presently working on a timetable to make the safe transition back,” said Michael Barnhart, Chief Executive Officer at Horizons.

As part of that transition, Barnhart announced that a pair of fundraisers to benefit the Meals on Wheels program will resume after the pandemic forced their cancellation in 2020:

Cookies of Compassion: A Lunchbox Kickoff will take place on May 7, just in time for Mother’s Day. A variety package of gourmet cookies will be available in boxes of one-half dozen for $15, and one-whole dozen for $30. The purchase of a half-dozen cookies will help to provide two meals for homebound seniors. One-whole dozen provides four. The cookie flavors include Chocolate Chip Chunk, Macadamia Nut and Snickerdoodle. Orders of one dozen or more in Linn County will be delivered between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on May 7. Smaller orders can picked up at Horizons, 819 Fifth St. SE in Cedar Rapids, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Place your Cookies of Compassion order at www.horizonsfamily.org/cookiesofcompassion.

Looking ahead, the Meals on Wheels Lunchbox fundraiser is set to occur in September 2021. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Lunchbox allows individuals and businesses throughout the Cedar Rapids area to order gourmet lunches direct from the Horizons kitchen, with proceeds going to Meals on Wheels. More information on that event will come as the event draws closer. Bankers Trust is the presenting sponsor for both the Cookies of Compassion and Lunchbox fundraisers.

In the meantime, check out the catering menu options available any time for your drive-through staff engagements, masked trainings and more through Catering for a Cause. Each meal arrives individually packaged for your convenience. Orders support Meals on Wheels, providing home delivered meals and empowering older adults to age safely in their own homes. Visit https://horizonsfamily.org/catering-for-a-cause/ to learn more and make your choices.