According to a report titled "Senior Hunger in the United States: Differences Across States and Rural and Urban Areas", North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation in highest food insecurity for seniors, with 10 .7 percent of its population 60 years old and older living below poverty level.

Meals on Wheels, the national program designed to feed seniors in need of assistance, is attempting to address this situation.

Administered locally by the Lumber River Council of Governments, food deliveries in Scotland County will resume on Monday following the New Years' break. Michelle Gaitley is the nutrition program director for LRCOG, which serves five counties in the region.

"In Scotland County alone we serve 48 individuals at our nutrition sites, and another 39 have meals delivered to their home," she said. "Our nutrition site is at the McIntosh Apartment complex in Laurinburg, and if a senior who is a member of the program lacks transportation, they can call the SCATS transportation service to set up a ride."

The program is designed for seniors, 60 years of age and older, who are medically homebound. There is no cost to those who qualify.

Gaitley said eligibility is determined by a number of factors: whether or not the senior is still driving, and to what extent; whether or not the senior has in-home aid or a chore worker; and other factors, such as the extent of family and community support available to a given elder.

"We need a referral from someone to consider a senior for the program," Gaitley said. For example, if you think your mother could benefit, we need information such as her name, phone number and address. I will then setup a time to visit, and we will go from there."

Another factor Gaitley will consider is location.

"We have certain restrictions regarding food temperatures, and how long certain dishes can keep without being heated or refrigerated. That sometimes plays a part, and we also have limited resources regarding volunteers necessary to deliver meals."

Monetary factors also come into play when deciding who is eligible for services.

"Some seniors have no money left over for food after paying for their medicines," Gaitley said. "Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis."

Volunteers are needed to assist in food delivery and distribution as well.

"We especially need volunteers in Scotland County," she said. "We have lost several helpers in the Laurinburg area recently, and would like to increase our numbers. I am available to speak to any group interested in learning more about volunteering, or about the program itself and how it works."

To refer someone to be a Meals on Wheels recipient, to learn more about volunteer opportunities, or for more information about the program contact Gaitley at 272-5055.

To learn more about the Meals on Wheels organization, visit www.mowaa.org.