Open Arms works to ensure no one who is ill goes hungry. They offer a unique model of care for people in our community living with a serious or life-threatening disease who need assistance with meals, because proper nutrition is a key factor in any health care plan.
Currently, they serve 500 home-delivery clients, their caregivers and dependent children each week in the greater Twin Cities area. They provide their services free of charge, regardless of income status.
To qualify for Open Arms' meal delivery service, a person must be diagnosed with a chronic and progressive illness such as HIV/AIDS, MS, ALS or breast cancer, and live in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. They do not qualify people based on income status.
How do people get signed up for meal delivery? Generally, health care professionals and case managers will refer qualified people to Open Arms, but they also work directly with clients.
One of the coolest things is the variety of meal options. Open Arms offers several entrée options to meet the nutritional requirements and flavor preferences various illnesses present. Additionally, each option can be further tailored to fit individual dietary needs, such as food allergies or religious beliefs. The veggie lasagna we packed looked delish. They offer a standard nutritious, flavorful homemade meal, an organic option for people with breast cancer who may have nausea, low sodium, low cholesterol options, etc.
Meals are delivered, both frozen entrees and fresh additions, weekly so that clients can choose what they want to eat, when. Another volunteer option is to be a driver delivering meals.
And, this summer we worked at their new organic 2-acre plot at a farm in Belle Plaine. It gave us all a new appreciation for farming in general, and organic farming and why it costs so much more for organic food. Wow, the work involved is hard and long!
Watch the Messenger and our Facebook page for announcements. We will also start helping with Saturday deliveries occasionally.
Image:
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church 1917 Logan Avenue South ♦ Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.377.1273 At the northeast corner of Lake of the Isles in the historic Lowry HIll neighborhood of Minneapolis
