Meals on Wheels of Rowan

Three years ago, when Viola Johnson’s health worsened, she found the key to being able to stay in her home rested in the visits five days per week by Meals on Wheels volunteers.

Monday through Friday every week, a Meals on Wheels volunteer delivers a well-balanced, nutritious meal to Johnson and spends a few minutes talking to her.

“Meals on Wheels means so much to me,” Johnson said. “At first the food helped my body improve. Now the friendship each day from the people who deliver meals brings me love, joy and hope.”

Johnson said a fellow church member helped her get connected with Meals on Wheels when she began having problems with her hands that made cooking difficult. “I don’t think I would’ve made it if it hadn’t been for Meals on Wheels,” she said.

“The program shows the love of God at work,” Johnson said. “It brings many people together helping in such a lovely way.”

Meals on Wheels of Rowan, a United Way member agency, works throughout the year to provide food and fellowship to hundreds of our county’s senior adults. During the month of March, Meals on Wheels of Rowan is participating in the “March for Meals Celebration,” The March for Meals Celebration, a community-by-community nationwide celebration of the Meals on Wheels programs.

Meals on Wheels programs collectively serve a nutritious meal, a warm smile and the safety check that keep over 2.5 million seniors a year healthy and living in their own homes. This effort is a dynamic and effective partnership between the national network of local Meals on Wheels programs and the businesses, organizations, governments and volunteers who contribute so generously in their communities.

“As part of our celebration, we are asking all volunteers to invite someone to ride along and deliver with them during the month of March,” Meals on Wheels Executive Director Rita Sims said. “The week of March 23, local high school and middle school coaches are being asked to deliver more than touchdowns and help us to deliver meals”

Through its annual campaign, United Way raises money in Rowan County to support local organizations like Meals on Wheels that are impacting needs in our community. Each year since 1976, a portion of United Way contributions have supported the efforts of Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver more than 200 meals each day Monday through Friday. Volunteers often go above and beyond just delivering meals. They may bring in the newspaper, take out the trash, or turn on a light. Many times, volunteers spend time talking to the meal recipient, offering much more than just food.

Sims said the agency provides over 50,000 meals per year in Rowan County. “United Way funding helps Meals on Wheels accomplish our mission of providing a meal and friendly visit to the homebound of Rowan County, so that no senior goes hungry.”

Contributions throughout the year to the United Way campaign support local agencies like Meals on Wheels.

Sims said, “When you are considering your United Way contribution, please remember that a portion of your dollars go to help assure Meals on Wheels clients can continue to receive a daily, nutritious meal, a friendly visit, and safety check by one of our volunteers.”