Senator rolls with Meals on Wheels in Lewes

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester took time away from Washington, D.C., to help deliver meals with Meals on Wheels volunteers in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Her March 20 visit allowed her to see firsthand what the nonprofit organization does to help feed clients in Sussex County.

Blunt Rochester said the most important thing she can do, as a senator, is to advocate very strongly for programs like Meals on Wheels.

“Meals on Wheels has a long history and track record of providing, not just food, but companionship. Sometimes, this might be the only person that someone sees come to their door,” Blunt Rochester said.

John Wolfe, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth board president, said they deliver one meal a day to 300 clients on 19 routes, mostly in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

“One thing about the delivery process is you never leave a meal without seeing the client,” Wolfe said.

Blunt Rochester saw how Meals on Wheels prepares food for delivery at the kitchen at Fish On in Lewes.

With uncertainty over freezes on federal budgets, she said it is important that the community supports organizations like Meals on Wheels.

“They rely on donations, generous contributions, but they also receive $700,000 that comes through the state from the federal government,” she said.

Blunt Rochester jumped into a car with volunteers and headed out to deliver meals. She said her message to Meals on Wheels clients would be to stay strong.

“Many of them are on Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid. We’re going to make sure these vital services are continued,” she said.

Blunt Rochester is serving her first term in the U.S. Senate, after four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was elected last November to succeed Sen. Tom Carper, who retired.

She said moving to the Senate will help her better work for the community.

“We have now gone from 17 staff to 38. We can be in all three counties. We can serve more people and do more constituent services,” she said.