At the outset, meals were purchased directly from the hospital kitchen by the organisation and then delivered to recipients.

They are delivered on four days each week, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Initially the service was confined to the central parishes but over the years has encompassed the entire island. The number of meals supplied by the hospital was limited but the demand for the service increased and a waiting list was started.

The committee, at that time, realised that alternative arrangements would have to be made.

In 1977 Meals on Wheels undertook the entire operation of food purchasing, preparation and delivery, from the kitchen of St. Paul's Christian Education Centre, Paget.

This proved to be an ideal location, centrally situated with ample parking space.

It was to be a temporary "home'' until Meals on Wheels could have its own headquarters. Much work has been undertaken over the years to acquire a suitable "home''.

A plot of land was purchased on South Road in Paget and the long established "kitchen committee'' was renamed the Building Committee.

This committee set to work and after many meetings plans for the new headquarters were approved.

Ground was "broken '' on November 27, 1995. The "Roof Wetting'' Ceremony took place on April 2, 1996.

Occupancy of the new building was delayed for various reasons but the move was finally achieved on 28, 29 September, 1996.

The kitchen was put to the test for the first time on September 30 when approximately 140 meals were cooked and delivered.

The new building was officially opened on October 15, 1996, the Twenty-first Birthday of Meals on Wheels.

The ribbon was cut and a plaque unveiled by His Excellency the Governor The Right Honourable The Lord Waddington GCVO, PC, QC. Recipients, who are referred to Meals on Wheels in various ways, receive a hot three course meal at lunch time.

At the inauguration of the service just 15 people received meals. That number has now grown to almost 150.

The majority are assigned, by hospital social workers, prior to discharge from hospital.

Meals are also requested by family members, PALS Organisation, doctors and district nurses.

Very occasionally prospective recipients will request meals themselves.

Locating and interviewing a new client is undertaken by the Administrator and at this time all necessary information is obtained.

Forms have to be completed including a consent agreement and authorisation by the recipients physician.

This latter form details any peculiar diet required. The meals, which cost $3.00 each, consist of soup, (juice in the summer months), a main course and dessert.

Dishes are disposable. Recipients are expected to provide their own cutlery.

If the recipient is in any financial difficulty, and many fall into this category, no charge is made.

Some churches, service clubs, trusts and many individuals make donations specifically for sponsorship which is calculated to be approximately $600.00 for one year.

In some cases meals are paid for by family members or friends.

The organisation is run entirely by volunteers with the exception of a part time administrator, a part time kitchen coordinator and a part time assistant for these two positions and that of the food purchaser at present a volunteer.

It relies on generous donations and a Government Grant to continue its operations.

The Executive Committee elected each year at the Annual General Meeting had never found it necessary to appeal for financial help until a fund raising campaign was launched on June 1, 1995 with a target of $1 million.

Whereas the target was not reached yet sufficient was collected to pay for the whole project with enough left over for substantial investments to create an endowment fund for future maintenance of the building.

Meals on Wheels volunteers are an exceptionally good and dependable group.

There are always just enough helpers, although during the summer months, when so many people leave the island for vacation, there are times when the administrator's task is difficult.

However, several teachers and teenagers are usually available and able to fill in.

Without such help it would be very difficult to find two volunteers to go out on each route, and there are twelve routes to cover each day.

It has been found essential to send an assistant along with the driver to cover an emergency which may be encountered.

Meals on Wheels has proved to be a very necessary social service in the community providing not only good, well balanced nutritional meals but contacts and friendly visits for those who are sometimes forgotten and neglected.

Meals on Wheels prepares delicious hot meals for Bermuda's Seniors which are appreciated by numerous residents.

Volunteers: Young ladies provide helping hands and valuable work during the summer months for Meals on Wheels.