Meals on Wheels celebrates 35 years
A hot meal is a luxury that can often be taken for granted, but for some elderly and disabled Charlottesville residents, the tasks associated with cooking and shopping can be overwhelming and unfeasible. Thankfully, Meals on Wheels of the Charlottesville/Albemarle area is celebrating their 35th year of providing hot and nutritious meals to those facing such a challenge.
Though it is a relatively small operation, Meals on Wheels (MoW) delivers a nutritious lunch to approximately 275 people in the greater Charlottesville area Monday through Friday, every week.
According to Keith Halford, the volunteer director at MoW, there are only about 40 drivers and food-packers on staff, but with the help of over 300 active volunteers, the local non-profit organization is able to fulfill its mission.
“We have a lot of college students that help out,” said Halford. “This community really comes together to help its members that are in need.”
While there is a national MoW office located in Washington, D.C., each local branch is independently operated and funded.
“99.5 percent of … funding comes through individual and corporate donations,” said Halford. He also noted that because the charity does not receive statue funds, it is not bound by the restrictions and red tape linked to state funded non-profits.
“The Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), the only other charity in the area with a meal-delivery system, receives a substantial portion of their money from state and federal governments, so they are heavily regulated and restricted,” said Halford. “JABA refers a lot of clients to us [MoW] because we have a lot more flexibility.”
According to Halford, Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/ Albemarle served their millionth meal this past spring. Looking forward, Halford anticipates the demand for the program will continue to grow. The constant need for new volunteers has warranted an extensive new recruitment program. Halford, along with a recruitment committee, has been distributing bulletins and posters throughout the area, as well as taking advantage of a local community service program that provides free advertising on local TV and radio. For more information about Meals on Wheels, or to become a volunteer, visit cvillemeals.org.
