Serving Seniors: Encinitas Mayor Barth Volunteers with Meals-on-Wheels

Encinitas Mayor Teresa Arballo Barth volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels of Greater San Diego on Wednesday—delivering meals to local seniors.

Barth—one of more than 20 elected officials to take part in the Mayors for Meals Day—said the organization provides crucial support to the senior population.

"Meals-on-Wheels is a wonderful organization that not only provides nutritious meals to our seniors but also companionship," said Barth, who delivered meals to seven seniors including Bob Ennis and Leslie Nolan.

Ennis, 65, said the program has improved his diet.

"I notice I gain weight when I don't eat their meals," said Ennis, who has lived in Encinitas since 1980. "And, it's nice to see the people every day and encouraging you to get out."

Seventy-year-old Nolan, who has been on the program for just two months, described the meals as a "Godsent."

Meals-on-Wheels of Greater San Diego delivers meals to more than 2,500 homebound seniors in the region each year. The organization delivers meals to 37 seniors in Encinitas.

Debbie Case, CEO of Meals-on-Wheels of Greater San Diego, said this year’s event is one of the largest campaigns for the charity.

“We have over 20 government officials going out and delivering meals to the seniors that are homebound throughout the county,” she said.

“It gives them the opportunity to visit with our seniors and hear what they have to say, since they are the silent few that live in our community.”

For more information, visit meals-on-wheels.org.