Meals on Wheels sponsored by Community First Bank
This year marks a significant milestone for Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County. For 50 years the 501(c)(3) organization has been providing healthy and nutritious food for individuals who are physically or mentally unable to prepare a meal for themselves regardless of age or income. As a private charitable endeavor, it receives no state or federal funding.
Over the years, as the need for its services has grown, it has been sustained by donations, fundraising efforts and community grants. To celebrate and ensure another 50 years, a campaign, “Plant a Seed for the Future” is currently ongoing.
In 1975, Mary Bray, a volunteer at Riverview Hospital, saw homebound patients struggling and had a need for delivered meals. She joined forces with Reverend David Garrigus of Christ United Methodist Church in Westfield. The kitchen at Riverview Hospital stepped up to provide meals to a small number of recipients in Noblesville, Carmel and Fishers.
“Today we work with three meal providers: Ascension St. Vincent Carmel, Riverview Hospital and Trio Community Meals in Muncie,” says Beth Gehlhausen, Executive Director. “We run 19 routes Monday through Friday with an additional eight routes on Fridays. We deliver an average of more than 5,700 meals each month. Although a large amount of the individuals we serve are seniors, we also provide meals for people with varying disabilities. Some fully pay, others might partially pay, be on a Medicaid waver or participate in the Medicaid Pathways program.”
“The meals are medically tailored meals to the elderly or those with disabilities, facing food insecurities, or those unable to prepare food for themselves, for both short- and long-term needs in Hamilton County,” adds Lisa Thornton, Chief Development and Marketing Officer. “The meals are prepared in state-approved health care facilities and designed by a certified registered dietitian under a physician’s prescribed supervision according to the recipient’s specific dietary needs.”
Examples of doctor-prescribed meals include foods for individuals on low sodium, soft or diabetic diets. Each typically includes a protein, starch, vegetable and a dessert. According to Gehlhausen, the people served by Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County have an increasing need for more food. The meals that get delivered on the additional Friday routes are designed to help those who need it get through the weekend.
The campaign, “Plant a Seed for the Future” is an initiative to ensure Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County will be able to continue for the next 50 years. The goal is to raise $50,000 by seeking 50 individuals, organizations or civic groups to donate $1,000. Each donation of $1,000 will be recognized on the on-line donor wall on the organization’s website in honor of its 50th Anniversary.
“We absolutely could not do what we do without the support we receive from the community,” Gehlhausen says. “We are so grateful to our meal providers, Riverview, Ascension and Trio who prepare the food. Our more than 400 volunteers are rock stars and include individuals as well as corporate partners.”
To donate, volunteer or get information about enrolling for services, visit Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County online at mealsonwheelshc.org or call 317-776-7159.
