Maryland Energy Administration Joins Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland for 2019 Day of Service Project

by Kaymie Owen, CMP, Communications Manager

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland is one of the oldest nonprofit, home-delivered meal programs in the country, serving more than 1.2 million meals annually to nearly 3,000 clients. Team members from the Maryland Energy Administration were honored today to volunteer in the kitchen for meal prep with the Meals on Wheels team.

In 2018, Central Maryland Meals on Wheels delivered over 1,356,752 meals Completed 289 home improvements. Made 143 volunteer connections for Friendly Companions and Phone Pals. Matched 254 clients with volunteers for the Grocery Assistance Program. Provided pet food support for 130 individuals through Kibble Connection. Supported 92 clients through our case management program. Reduced Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations for 75 people participating in the Care Coordination Demonstration Project

On the surface, the act of delivering a meal may not seem to garner much attention or great worth. However, when that meal is being delivered by a Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland volunteer, the value of the delivery increases exponentially. The impact of that meal delivery is evident immediately. To read more about the impact of Meals on Wheels, read their annual report  The mission of Meals on Wheels is to enable people to live independently at home through the provision of nutritious meals, personal contact and related services.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland began with two women, Ernestine McCollum and Beatrice Strouse, who saw a need for Baltimore residents living without access to nutritious meals. The women were committed to filling that need, in early 1960, by replicating a meal delivery program that originated in London after World War II. On October 3rd that same year, the first 10 Meals on Wheels clients were served a hot meal lovingly prepared and delivered by a handful of dedicated volunteers. To learn more about Meals on Wheels, volunteer or donate, visit them online today.