It doesn’t get a lot of publicity, yet it’s among the best known programs of its type around.

It plays an absolute key role in the lives of the people it serves; it’s entirely unclear what would replace it should it ever cease to exist.

What are we talking about? Meals on Wheels, of course.

Mining Journal readers know, for example, that the Community Action Alger-Marquette’s Meals on Wheels provides a hot meal to seniors who are homebound or unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves.

How many people are involved? A lot. There are 367 households in Marquette County that utilize Meals on Wheels and 124 in Alger County.

“UPCAP gives us our major amount of funding. We in Marquette County have a millage,” Community Nutrition Services Director Oxsanna Stoken said. “Part of the millage for senior citizens helps us with the Meals on Wheels and there’s a suggested donation of $3.50 by the senior themselves.”

She said each meal costs around $8.50 to prepare. Seniors are asked to donate $3.50 and UPCAP gives $3.50 for each meal. However, there is still $1.50 that needs to be covered.

“So as you can see, even if the senior donates and UPCAAP gives us $3.50, we’re still seeking other funding to help run this program,” Stoken said.

Last year, on average, only 38% of seniors were able to help donate.

“We never refuse anyone any meal they can’t pay, it’s just a suggested donation,” Stoken said. “Nobody is refused for inability to pay.”

What an outstanding program that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but reaches, literally hundreds of people daily with an essential service.

Hats off to Meals on Wheels for a job well done.