Meals on Wheels Celebrates 35-Year Milestone by Thanking Donors, Volunteers, Staff

Meals-on-WheelsSince 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana has strived to improve the lives of the elderly and homebound in the region. Founded as a component of the Visiting Nurses Association, the organization was established to serve nutritious meals to the homebound elderly, ill and disabled in northwest Indiana.

The values that built Meals on Wheels – meals, compassion and community – have endured the past 35 years,” said Sandra Noe, executive director, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. “None of what we do for the community would be possible without our supporters. Thanks to their generosity of time and resources, we are able to extend a hot meal and warm smile to our neighbors in need.

A number of events are planned to recognize the groups that help make the organization’s mission of delivering nutritious meals to those in need possible. Those include:

  • Donors: In the fall, donors will be invited to join in a special celebration honoring their role in the organization’s 35 years of success.
  • Volunteers. Throughout July and August, volunteer appreciation events will take place across Lake County.
  • Staff. On July 3 at 9 a.m., the 44 dedicated employees of Meals on Wheels will gather for a staff appreciation celebration.

Over the past 35 years, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana’s daily deliveries have leapt from three meals to more than 2,000 meals. As demand to meet the dietary needs of the homebound, elderly, ill and disabled population increased, the organization became an independent agency in 1987. Other milestones in the Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana’s history include:

  • 1993: Purchased space for a central kitchen and offices in Crown Point, allowing for more coordinated food purchasing and distribution
  • 1995: Delivered our 1,000,000th meal
  • 1999: Expanded service to provide meals to the Porter County Meals on Wheels Program.
  • 2006: Constructed a new, 12,000 square foot facility in Merrillville.
  • 2010: Delivered our 5,000,000th meal

Established in 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is a community-based and volunteer-driven initiative that delivers nutritious meals to homebound elderly, ill and disabled. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsnwindiana.org.