DAVIS COUNTY—Utah currently has the highest number of deaths attributed to malnutrition among those age 60+ in the nation. Davis County’s malnutrition rate is two times higher than the national average, according to Davis County Health Department (DCHD) Senior Services. 

In an effort to curb malnutrition in older adults, Senior Services has had what’s best known as Meals on Wheels. The program is in its 50th year.

“We deliver nutritious meals to older adults who are home bound or can’t get around easily,” said Senior Services Director, Rachelle Blackham. “Thirty percent live alone and don’t like to cook a meal for one or not easily.”

The meals meet one third of their dietary requirements a day, she said. “We serve 350 meals a day in Davis County. There are more than 300 homebound individuals in the area of the North Davis Senior Center, Central Davis and South Davis Senior Centers.”

Although they have 70 volunteers to cover the county there is a great need for more, said Blackham. “We need about 30 more. All three have a need but there’s a greater need in our Clearfield (North) center. At that location we need to deliver 150 meals a day. It’s about 100 meals out of the other centers.”

Volunteers deliver 25-30 meals a day between 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., she said. “We ask for a commitment for one day a week. You can volunteer as much as you want Monday through Friday.”

Some people say they’re retired and don’t want to fully commit, said Blackham. “We have a pool of about 30 volunteers at each center so they can switch with someone. We’re flexible. We take anyone over the age of 18.”

Once they pick a center, they arrive at 9:30 and gather in the kitchen, she said. “There are about 100 brown bags out and they start packing those with all of the cold items like chocolate milk, fruit, etc. while the warm meals are being prepared.”

The meals are divided in the vehicle warmers, she said. “One volunteer drives and the passenger is the runner. They get out and deliver the meals. Each route delivers about 30 meals.”

Volunteers are provided with a county vehicle, Blackham said. “They need a valid drivers license and they have to pass a drug screening. Because the volunteer is working for us we cover liability insurance.”

Blackham said they want the runners to make contact with the person. “We encourage them to visit with the older adults. We consider this like a well check. For some of them this is the only person they see daily. We want them to see how they’re doing and make a connection. Social connection does wonders for older adults.”

“The cost of groceries is going up,” said Trevor Warner, Communications Manager DCHD. “The aging population is continuing to grow. It’s more important than ever that people volunteer because they don’t have as many resources.”

While costs are going up, Utah has high rates of malnutrition in older adults, he said. “We want the vulnerable population to be protected. It’s an all over good experience for volunteers as well.”

For more information about becoming a volunteer contact Senior Services at 801-525-5050 or visit the DCHD website at https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/health/.