Revolutionizing Meal Delivery: Loveland's Meals on Wheels Embraces Cutting-Edge Technology

In a remarkable stride towards enhancing their service, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud (MOWLB) has recently installed an innovative automatic heat sealer in their kitchen. This state-of-the-art technology is poised to streamline the packing process, allowing the organization to efficiently deliver nutritious meals to those in need with unparalleled speed and precision.

Empowering Volunteers, Elevating Dignity

Streamlining the Packing Process

The installation of the automatic heat sealer has revolutionized the way MOWLB prepares and packages its meals. Previously, volunteers relied on a manual sealer to cover hot meals and secure non-tamper lids on fruit cups, a time-consuming process that required the efforts of six volunteers and could take up to 70 minutes for hot meals and two hours for 325 fruit cups. However, the new OMNI IDX Sealer machine has transformed this laborious task. Volunteers now simply place the meals onto a belt that feeds into the sealer, which not only seals the packages but also prints custom labels. This automated process has drastically reduced the time required, with the sealer capable of sealing and labeling 27 hot meals and 80 small fruit cups per minute. "It allows us to do it much faster," enthuses Jeffrey Pomranka, the executive director of MOWLB. "So we can have more people putting the meals into a tray as opposed to sealing it and such."

Enhancing Quality and Dignity

The new sealer not only streamlines the packing process but also elevates the overall quality and presentation of the meals. The custom labels printed by the machine are larger and more legible, providing a professional and dignified touch to the packaging."What we really enjoy is that it looks nice, looks professional, a nice dignity that the people we are serving are getting a nice quality meal. Finally, the packaging matches the quality of the food inside," Pomranka proudly states.This attention to detail and commitment to providing a high-quality dining experience for MOWLB's clients is a testament to the organization's dedication to serving the community with the utmost care and respect.

Freeing Up Volunteer Time

The efficiency gains from the automatic sealer have had a ripple effect on MOWLB's operations. The daily pack-out process now takes less time, allowing volunteers to spend more time interacting with clients during meal deliveries."The agency's website noted that use of the new sealer means the daily pack-out process now takes less time, so volunteers will have more time to spend with clients when they deliver the meals," Pomranka explains.This shift in focus towards personalized client interactions underscores MOWLB's commitment to fostering a sense of community and providing a holistic support system for those in need.

Unlocking Cost Savings

The investment in the automatic sealer is not only a boon for efficiency and quality but also a financially prudent decision for MOWLB. The new film used in the sealing process will save the organization 31 cents per meal, amounting to approximately ,400 per year."The savings will be reinvested into programs, enhancing services, and expanding our reach to more individuals in need," Pomranka reveals.This strategic allocation of resources ensures that MOWLB can continue to grow and improve its services, ultimately benefiting a greater number of individuals in the Loveland and Berthoud communities.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation

The implementation of the automatic sealer was not without its challenges. Pomranka admits that there was some initial skepticism and difficulties among the kitchen volunteers as they adapted to the new technology."Pomranka said there was some skepticism about the machine and challenges with the initial uses, but the volunteers adapted well and it has been working smoothly ever since," the article notes.However, the organization's commitment to innovation and its willingness to embrace new technologies has paid off. The volunteers have now fully embraced the sealer, and the process has been running seamlessly since the initial adjustments.Pomranka's foresight in recognizing the potential of the OMNI IDX Sealer machine at a Meals on Wheels America conference has proven to be a game-changer for MOWLB. The organization's ability to secure grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act's Senior Support Services further solidifies its dedication to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance its service delivery.

Inviting the Community to Witness the Transformation

MOWLB is eager to showcase its new technological marvel to the community. The organization is inviting donors, followers, and interested individuals to visit their kitchen off North Garfield Avenue to witness the automatic sealer in action."MOWLB is inviting donors and followers to come to the kitchen located off North Garfield Avenue and see the new technology," the article states.This open invitation underscores MOWLB's commitment to transparency and its desire to share its innovative approach with the broader community. By allowing others to experience the sealer firsthand, the organization hopes to inspire and encourage similar advancements in the field of meal delivery services.