Meals on Wheels celebrates 50 years, seeks clients in Sanford

Dec. 15—Meals on Wheels of Sanford is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and as it does the organization is seeking to serve more clients.

Meals on Wheels is a church-sponsored organization that was started by five Sanford area churches in 1973. The original five include four which are still current members — St. Luke United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, St. Stephen's Catholic Church and First Presbyterian Church. The fifth founding member was Jonesboro United Methodist Church, but in 2022, it was replaced by St. Francis Anglican Church.

According to Meals on Wheels President Brian Haynes, the group currently serves 25 clients in Sanford.

"We've recently done outreach to 60 area churches — both English and Spanish speaking," Hayne said. "We're trying to reach out to people that have the need."

According to Haynes, the mission of the organization is to provide weekday meals to Sanford residents who are unable to prepare their own meals and have no one living with them that could do so. Residents must reside within the city limits. Hot lunchtime meals are provided every weekday, including holidays, and are tailored to the client's dietary needs. Central Carolina Hospital prepares the meals at a nominal cost.

"Each church has a weekday that they volunteer," Haynes said. "They mobilize volunteers and make sure they are available for their day of the week. Central Carolina Hospital and Chef Christopher Harris prepare the meals — everyone's involved."

For the volunteers there is a reward, according to Haynes.

"The clients are so appreciative of the meals each day," he said. "They enjoy the personal contact. It's really an extended family in a way."

Haynes' wife, Karen, and Barbara Lewis are the co-coordinators.

"If someone signs up, they generally get started within three business days," Haynes said.

In 2022, the group provided 6,033 meals.

"In addition to the weekday meals, we provide at no cost, various nutritious treats on Fridays, frozen meals weekly, poinsettias at Christmas and a non-perishable emergency meal that can be eaten when a regular meal cannot be delivered in inclement weather. The Sanford Herald is provided free of charge — donated by Central Carolina Hospital — for clients interested in receiving it."

Haynes said the group thinks there are at least 50 eligible clients in the area that they serve within the city limits and he's hoping people will contact the organization if they are interested in meals or know someone who is. They're also always looking for volunteers and funding.

"We always need substitutes to deliver meals," he said. "They can volunteer as little as two hours a month. We also need funding — we operate solely on volunteers and donations."

Haynes said a lot goes on behind the scenes.

"It's a humble group," he said.

He also passed along thanks to a local restaurant that has helped them host their yearly Christmas luncheon and other meetings.

"Cafe Vesuvio has allowed us for years to have our meeting there," he said. "Then we have our Christmas luncheon. They're really supporting the community."

Haynes also said a big thanks goes to the church captains, volunteers and his fellow board members. The board meets every second Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church library.

Haynes also said the meals are reasonable, costing just $3.50 apiece for those who want them.

"We can also supplement the cost if someone can't afford it," he said.

For any questions about the program or to volunteer or donate, Meals on Wheels of Sanford can be reached by phone at 919-708-4181. The group also has a website, www.mowsanford.org