Newsmakers: CEAP Talks Growth of Meals on Wheels Program
Community Emergency Assistance Programs’ Meals on Wheels (MoW) program is more than just a meal delivery service. CEAP’s director of advancement, Kalleah Kennedy, says it’s a lifeline of connection and care for seniors across 14 cities.
“Our Meals on Wheels program is really about caring for our neighbors and connecting,” Kennedy said. “It’s those safety checks and providing a nourishing meal. It’s about having a friend, a family member being taken care of in the community on a daily basis, even if your actual family lives far away or can’t be there.”
CEAP’s Meals on Wheels volunteer (October 6, 2019).
Serving 450 seniors daily, the program has grown significantly over the past four years, and Kennedy says the heart of the program goes beyond providing food.
“Our Meals on Wheels volunteers are incredible, and a lot of them have been with us for decades,” Kennedy said. “They’ve really built strong relationships with participants … Sometimes I do jump in and deliver a route or help with a special campaign where some of our staff will go and [the seniors] are almost always disappointed. They want their volunteer, they want their person because it’s such a strong bond.”
During the pandemic, CEAP’s Meals on Wheels continued to serve seniors, even if volunteers simply knocked on windows to say hello.
Meals on Wheels continues to grow, ensuring that every senior not only receives a meal but also feels seen, heard, and valued.
“Two things that come to mind are volunteer your time, talent, treasure, how do you bring those things to the senior community,” said Kennedy.
You can learn more at CEAP.org
See also: CEAP Expands Meals on Wheels Program, Seeks More Volunteers
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