Pilot program aims to help those recovering from substance abuse
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Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana is launching an initiative to provide medically tailored meals to people during their first 90 days of recovery from substance abuse.
Under the “NO Limits to Recovery” pilot program, Meals on Wheels will offer the meals to people living in recovery residences throughout Marion County. People with substance abuse disorders are at risk for chronic health conditions, the organization said, and the initiative will provide healthy food options when the risk of relapse is high.
The pilot program, which will begin in June, was named in honor of Nathan Otolski, a community outreach manager with Meals on Wheels who also volunteered with the Indy Hunger Network, Fairbanks Addiction Treatment Center and St. Vincent de Paul. He died on March 4, 2022, after losing his own battle with substance use disorder, the organization said in a news release.
“We cannot think of a better way to honor our dear friend and colleague’s legacy than with an initiative that will truly be a force for good,” David Carpenter, director of programs for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana, said in the release.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is providing a two-year, $137,325 grant to fund the effort.
“We know individuals with substance use disorder often experience malnutrition or chronic illness, and wraparound services such as medically tailored meals and nutritional support are vital to supporting individuals in the early stages of recovery,” Claire Fiddian-Green, president and CEO of the Indianapolis-based foundation, said in the news release. “The Fairbanks Foundation believes this program can make a tangible difference in our community.”