Meals on Wheels needs a few more sets of wheels in Fort Saskatchewan.

The local program has been feeding seniors and others with disabilities and living at home with hot meals daily Monday through Friday. The program began in the United Kingdom in 1943, and in Canada in 1963. Fort Saskatchewan has been offering Meals on Wheels since 1964.

The program is currently operated by the local Royal Canadian Legion Br. 27, which subsidizes the meals and co-ordinates delivery to 13 local seniors.

Meals are prepared at Turner Lodge and clients sign up through the City of Fort Saskatchewan Family and Community Support Services.

The Legion is committed to serving up to 20 seniors, but is having trouble finding drivers, says program coordinator Cindy Wonnick, Legion branch manager.

Most of the driving has been done by local service groups, but two of those groups were unable to help last year, leaving a big gap to fill, Wonnick says.

The problem is that many of our local service groups are also struggling to keep members, she says. Many of the volunteer drivers are also aging out of the program. "Most of the people who are helping out are seniors too."

After struggling to maintain service through the COVID pandemic — meals were delivered throughout the pandemic — the program continues to struggle, she says.

The loss of two service club partners last year meant several volunteers with the Legion, the Elks and Pioneer House took on extra jobs, Wonnick says.

Service clubs still helping Meals on Wheels also include the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women's League, Order of the Eastern Star, Dow Retirees and Lutheran Church members.

Anyone interested in helping to deliver meals can contact the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 27 at 780-998-3466.

Those looking to apply for Meals on Wheels service should first contact Family and Community Support Services at 780-992-6267.