While food pantries are gearing up for increased need and collections this holiday season, Meals on Wheels’ reasonable business model is making it easier to continue serving residents of Western New York.

That, according to the directors of both the Ken-Ton and Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs, who say the fact clients pay for their services makes providing them a little easier.

But clients — those who qualify for nutritional assistance because they have trouble keeping a steady diet — don’t pay much.

“When you’re talking dollars and cents, and an economy to scale — they’re really getting their money’s worth,” Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Director Amanda Crotty said.

For example, the organization offers one hot and one cold meal, Monday through Friday, with both totaling $5.50.

Over in North Tonawanda, a similar operation based out of the Lumber City Community Outreach Center on Ridge Road provides both for the same price, but at a minimum insists on the hot meal for $4.50 if only one is taken.

Helping stretch the money each group takes in are efforts by at least 200 volunteers.

Joy Welch, director on the Niagara County side, said an average of five of them are in the kitchen any given day, with another 18 or so filling as many routes.

Crotty echoed a similar sentiment.

“There really hasn’t been a drop-off (because of the economy),” she said regarding donations and volunteerism. “There’s just a constant level of support in the community and we’re very lucky.”

Crotty also said the organization’s overhead is kept low in part because the Town of Tonawanda provides a former school building to serve as their headquarters at 169 Sheridan Parkside Drive.

“We definitely have overhead but it’s modest,” she said.

There is of course the obvious increase in the cost of food.

She said often the children or relatives of those in need of nutritional assistant realize what Meals on Wheels charges is unbeatable and sign up to pay for the service on behalf of their loved ones.

“They’re at the grocery store and they know what a bargain they’re getting,” she said.

Welch said the operation in the Twin Cities is just gearing up for their annual fundraising appeal. The cost of some 800 stamps will be covered by the group’s general fund and volunteers will donate their time to stuff the envelopes to be sent to past contributors and others.

The biggest economic impact Welch said, is probably a tendency by clients recently to cut back on the number of meals they receive. Even at a daily rate less than $5, many she said are opting for the three-day-a-week plan.

“The ones that were taking five are taking only three now, because they feel they couldn’t afford it,” she said.

In her area, she said assisted living homes and cultural factors sometimes mean relatives of individuals who need assistance sometimes aren’t willing to foot the bill for meal assistance. And those in need, especially the elderly, often don’t put enough emphasis on nutrition.

A frozen Thanksgiving dinner will be distributed for clients this week. Welch said 25 clients will be receiving their delivered meals on the day of thanks, as they have no plans to join others.

Contact reporter Neale Gulley at 693-1000, ext. 114.