Rising gas prices impact Meals on Wheels volunteers in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Rising gas prices are creating challenges for Meals on Wheels volunteers in Fort Myers, jeopardizing meal deliveries to homebound residents across Lee County.

At the Community Cooperative in Fort Myers, volunteers prepare and deliver approximately 400 meals daily, often starting their day as early as 4 a.m. to load food into coolers and make deliveries.

"They were short today, so they called us, and being retired, we could come," said Lee Kershner, one of nearly 50 volunteers needed each day to cook and deliver hundreds of meals.

The program is vital for many residents who rely on the hot food. "If they didn't get that meal every day, they wouldn't eat," said volunteer Gerald Hendry.

However, rising gas prices are straining volunteers' ability to continue. "I know people who are driving to Lehigh, Cape Coral, and other areas far, and I can see how that would be a big impact," Hendry said. He added, "Now we're close to $90 to $100. You feel that on a weekly basis for sure."

Stefani Ink-Edwards, who leads the program, said, "We're getting volunteers who are like, 'I just can't put gas in my tank to drive those many miles.'" She expressed concern about the potential consequences, saying, "But how am I going to turn around and say, 'Sorry, Mr. Smith, but you're not going to eat today because gas prices are rising.'"

The demand for meal deliveries continues to grow. "Every day, there are more and more people applying, and we do our best to try and feed everybody," said Lillian Michelon of Meals on Wheels.

Reflecting on the potential impact of reduced deliveries, Hendry said, "There would be a lot of devastation on those faces for sure."

The program is encouraging community members to help by volunteering or donating to assist with gas costs.

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