STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Dicey driving and icy driveways from unusually frequent snowfalls have caused problems for Meals on Wheels programs in Monroe and Pike counties.

"It has been horrible! This whole month has been the worst I can remember in my 19 years with the program," said Mimi Mikels, executive director of Monroe County Meals on Wheels.The program, in which volunteers deliver meals to senior citizens, does not operate when schools are closed.In February, the program has already been closed six times, Mikels said.And when the program has operated, things have been challenging.In Pike and Monroe, clients are given blizzard bags in the fall. That is, two days worth of shelf-stable meals such as oatmeal and tuna, to be used on days when the Meals on Wheels operation is unexpectedly closed."We didn't think two days in a row would be a common occurrence," Mikels said.Because of the snow, blizzard bags have had to be replenished several times.Meals on Wheels clients are unlikely to handle shoveling snow on their own. Some cannot afford or have not arranged to have someone clear snow from walks and driveways."Our volunteers rarely complain. They don't say a lot. But I know of one driveway that was not plowed at all," Mikels said.That home's driveway is in the woods and is very long.Many volunteer drivers are themselves senior citizens and have found it difficult to navigate deep snow at some homes.In Monroe County, some 160 people depend on the delivery of two meals a day, one hot meal and one bagged lunch.A pool of 275 volunteers delivers meals five days a week to most folks. Around 10 percent get meals seven days a week, with two extra frozen meals delivered on Thursdays and two weekend bag lunches delivered on Fridays.Monroe County has 10 routes and sends out around 20 volunteers a day, in pairs, to deliver the meals.Volunteers are especially needed in Smithfield and Middle Smithfield townships. To volunteer in Monroe, call 570-424-8794.Although the population in Pike County is smaller, slightly more people, some 175, receive Meals on Wheels deliveries, but there are far fewer drivers: one paid and seven volunteers covering nine routes.Drivers receive mileage reimbursement for their efforts, Pike County Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Robin Lodolce said.More volunteer drivers are urgently needed. Currently, when one is unavailable, it is tough to cover everyone counting on a meal."It's very gratifying. The clients are very appreciative," Lodolce said.Online:http://bit.ly/1eaVW3rInformation from: Pocono Record,

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