Many people are familiar with the Meals on Wheels program, which provides meals for homebound residents in our community. But for the people in our community who follow a Kosher diet, it’s often much harder to find resources that can accommodate these dietary restrictions. Mollie’s Meals, a program of the JAA, tries to fill that need by providing healthy, delicious, and kosher dinners to seniors and homebound adults.
AmeriCorps VISTA member, Bridget Fertal, and JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry Program Assistant, Arielle Kroser, went to visit the Manager of Mollie’s Meals, Fraida Estrin, to learn more about the program. In order to help with nutrition, Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging dietitians designed the menu at Mollie’s. This menu can be tailored to meet all sorts of dietary needs, including kosher. When we visited, we saw them working on the day’s menu. The staff made stuffed pepper with ground beef, brown rice, onions, and green peppers; whipped potatoes; carrots; rye bread; milk; and a cherry cake!
The Mollie’s Meals staff and dedicated volunteers make deliveries on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They also provide socialization, an attitude of care and concern, and when necessary, intervention and support. If you are interested in learning more, contact them at (412) 421-7616.