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History
Meals on Wheels programs across the U.S. trace their roots back to Great Britain during World War II when many people lost their homes and their ability to cook meals for themselves during the 1939 blitz. The Women's Volunteer Service for Civil Defense responded to this emergency by preparing and delivering meals to their disadvantaged neighbors. They also brought refreshments to servicemen in canteens, which came to be known as "Meals on Wheels."
The first American home-delivered meal program began in Philadelphia in January of 1954. In 1965, Congress passed the Older Americans Act and began the federal program of congregate and home-delivered meals. The "Nutrition Program for the Elderly Act" was passed in 1972, authorizing funding for a permanent national nutrition services program for the elderly.
Also in 1972 a group of Salinas volunteers established a meals program for the elderly here. It became a service of the Volunteer Bureau. The first meals were delivered to the homes of twelve clients.
Over the years the program grew and became an autonomous organization. In 1985 we incorporated as Meals on Wheels of Salinas, Inc., a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) agency. The volunteer Board of Directors elected Fran McFadden to be the first President.
In 1994 we expanded and started delivering meals in the rural areas of the Salinas Valley from Pajaro and Aromas in the north to San Ardo and Bradley in the south. In 1998 we changed our name to Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Inc. to reflect our expanded service area.
From the first meal delivery through 2009 we estimate over 10,000 frail seniors and disabled adults in the Salinas Valley have received our nutritious home-delivered meals. Currently, we deliver meals to approximately 250 clients each week, serving about 550 people a year. On average, we deliver about 110,000 meals in a year.
Dedicated volunteers have always been the heart and soul of this organization. Volunteers have served on our Board of Directors and Committees and donated their time and vehicles to deliver over three million meals and countless smiles, hugs, and handshakes.
Since our beginnings in 1972 Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Inc. has been delivering meals and so much more. With the continued support of people in this beautiful valley, we’ll continue to fulfill our mission - as long as people need a helping hand and a good meal.
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Meals on Wheels |
