Senior center receives grant for new meal delivery vehicle

The Carson City Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday received a $33,275 grant to purchase a new delivery vehicle for the Meals on Wheels program.

Executive Director Janice McIntosh applied for the grant in late July, just beating the Aug. 1 deadline.

"We have to spend the money right away," said McIntosh. "They're at the end of their fiscal year and have to get rid of it."

McIntosh said she will check consumer reports to find out what vehicle will work best for the center and its program.

"We can select any chassis we want -- Ford, Chevy, whatever -- and the back portion, the hold/cold box, is made by Mobile Advantage. The size of the box depends on our needs. I'll order the truck on Thursday.

"The owner of the company, Vernon Albert, will deliver the truck. He's been great to work with. He's out of Oregon."

The center's other delivery truck is made by Delivery Concepts. The new truck will have some features it doesn't.

"We're trying to get as much as we can for the money," said McIntosh. "It will also be cheaper to go with a 2002 model year than a 2003, so we're looking at all our options."

McIntosh said the delivery trucks, which have compartments for both hot and cold foods, is the best and safest method of delivering food to the homebound clients. The new truck is said to hold up to 280 meal containers. The older one holds about 90.

"It will take six to eight weeks to get the vehicle. And Aging Services said this is the only way to go. They are the most wonderful people to work with. They're always out there supporting all the senior centers. They come through for everyone."