Homebound neighbors fear losing Meals on Wheels food as gas prices squeeze volunteers

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Rising gas prices are putting pressure on Meals on Wheels volunteers in Lee and Collier counties, potentially impacting the delivery of hot meals to homebound residents.

Every Friday, 40 volunteers prepare and deliver 2,000 meals across the region. Donna and Jerry Bacon, longtime volunteers, said the increasing cost of gas is adding up.

"It's not so much our time, it's the gas," Donna Bacon said.

Jerry Bacon added, "We've actually had a few people ask if we get paid mileage."

Despite the financial strain, the Bacons continue their deliveries, bringing meals and companionship to those in need.

Tim Jordan, a recipient of Meals on Wheels, expressed his gratitude for the service.

"Without this meal a day, I would probably go hungry," Jordan said.

Jordan, who has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering a brain aneurysm in 2018, shared his appreciation for the program.

"This service right here, I am blessed every single time somebody knocks on my door," he said.

The Bacons remain committed to volunteering despite the challenges.

"We're getting old. We're going to keep trying to push on as long as we can," Donna Bacon said.

For many volunteers, the rising gas prices may make it difficult to continue delivering meals, leaving homebound residents like Jordan at risk of losing their only source of hot meals.

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