Politicians deliver food for Meals on Wheels

Mayors, state lawmakers and other officials from communities and agencies across Lake County brought food to senior citizens Wednesday as part of a charitable promotion.

State Rep. Sheri Jesiel of Winthrop Harbor, state Rep. Carol Sente of Vernon Hills, Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz and Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler were among the elected officials who participated in "Champions for Meals," the annual effort run by the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Catholic Charities oversees the county's Meals on Wheels program, and Wednesday's event was designed to bring public attention to the many senior citizens who suffer from hunger and isolation.

"Oftentimes the people who deliver meals are the only people these seniors see," said Christine Cavicchia, nutrition programs supervisor for Catholic Charities Lake County.

Sente said she enjoyed spending time with her constituents in their homes Wednesday. One older woman especially stood out.

"It was really just nice to share some kind words with her and just let her know she is not alone," said Sente, whose parents were longtime Meals on Wheels volunteers.

Lentz was glad to visit with residents who don't leave the house often because of age or other factors.

"I'd like to encourage others to keep their eyes open for folks that could use the Meals on Wheels service," he said. "Candidates are homebound seniors who may not be getting their nutritional needs met each day."

For more about Meals on Wheels or Catholic Charities' various programs, visit catholiccharities.net.