Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow aids OCO Meals on Wheels Program

Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow experienced OCO Meals on Wheels program first hand recently as he participated in OCO’s Community Champions Week. Part of the OCO Nutrition Services March for Meals campaign, Community Champions Week welcomes elected officials, business leaders, and community members to serve as volunteer delivery persons. He is pictured here with Nutrition Services Support Manager Christine Parks reviewing the Meals on Wheels delivery route.

“I very much enjoyed visiting with some of my constituents as I delivered their meals and had the chance to talk and spend some time with them,” said Mayor Barlow. “It was a great experience being able to show up on their door step to deliver their meal.  It also left me with a great sense of satisfaction knowing that we made somebody’s day by spending some time with them while we stopped by.”

OCO’s Community Champions Week is one the many ways in which OCO Nutrition Services is raising awareness of senior hunger and the benefits of the Meals On Wheels program. In addition to helping deliver meals to home bound seniors, volunteers have also helped serve meals at OCO’s 6 Dining and Activity Centers located throughout Oswego County.    

The OCO’s Meals on Wheels program delivers more than 1,000 meals each day. With 18 volunteer routes, Meals On Wheels provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors in every area of Oswego County. “Our program relies heavily on the assistance we receive from our volunteers,” said Support Services Manager Christine Parks. “We couldn’t do it without them.  I encourage community members to consider becoming a Meals On Wheels volunteer. It’s a very rewarding experience and most routes are only an hour long.”

“OCO’s Meals on Wheels is certainly a worthwhile program that directly helps members of our community who have difficulty getting out and around,” added Mayor Barlow. “Many people rely on this program and I am thankful I had the opportunity to participate and learn about the program and the great work it does.  I am amazed at how dedicated the volunteers are, how organized the system is and how happy the participants are when we show up to drop off their meal for the day. It really was a heartwarming experience and I will participate again soon!”

Anyone is interested in learning more about becoming a Meals On Wheels volunteer may contact OCO Nutrition Services at (315) 598-4712 or visit www.oco .org.

Administered through OCO’s Nutrition Services and funded in part through Oswego County Office for the Aging, New York State Office for the Aging, and United Way of Greater Oswego County.