Spotlight: Meg Grady- Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island

1. What is Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island’s mission? 

The mission of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island is to meet the nutritional and other special needs of seniors in order to help them maintain their independence. Our programs help these seniors and other homebound Rhode Islanders stay happy, healthy and safe in their own homes.

2. How has Meals on Wheels evolved since its founding in 1969?

As we celebrate our 50^th anniversary this year, we recognize that our work would not have been possible without the vision Joe Brown had when he founded Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island in February 1969. Seeing an unfilled need in his community, Brown gathered his wife and friends to begin what is now our Home-Delivered Meal Program. He served our agency as executive director for 22 years and as a board member for 45 years. Even after his retirement, Brown remained incredibly active with our organization, attending every meeting he could until be passed away in 2014 at the age of 90. This year, more than ever, we remember and thank him for his service.

When Joe Brown founded our organization in 1969, a small group of volunteers served 17 seniors in Providence. Last year, over 700 friendly volunteers delivered more than 300,000 meals and safety checks to 2,446 homebound Rhode Islanders.

Our other programs helping Rhode Island seniors age healthily in place include a Capital City Café Program, Senior Restaurant (voucher) Program, Pet Food Program and Senior Wish Program.

3. How widespread is food insecurity among seniors in Rhode Island?

Just last week, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank 2019 Rhode Island Hunger Survey revealed that food pantries are visited by some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. Sixty-six percent of households utilizing food banks have at a senior or child and many are living below the poverty level.

Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island ensures that seniors have access to a nutritious meal whether it is from our Home-Delivered meal Program, Capital City Café dining program in the Providence area, or as a part of our restaurant program. All meals meet one-third of the dietary reference intake for a senior and are approved by a registered dietitian.

4. What is one program or service that Meals on Wheels of RI offers to the community that you wish more people knew about? 

As a part of our Senior Restaurant Program, seniors aged 60 and older throughout the state can enjoy wonderful meals and the socialization restaurants offer. For a suggested donation of $5.00, seniors can obtaina voucher to take to participating restaurants for a variety of meal options that include a protein, starch, vegetable and fruit. Our participating restaurants are Newport Creamery (excluding locations in Barrington, Newport and Middletown), Pizza J and Uncle Tony’s Pizza & Pasta. Vouchers can be obtained by contacting Meals on Wheels of RI. We hope to grow the number of participating restaurants in 2020.

5. How can our community get involved in the work of Meals on Wheels of RI? 

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we are always looking for dedicated community members to assist us in several areas.

We are always in need of volunteers statewide to assist in delivering a lunch-time meal, Monday through Friday between the hours  of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Just a few hours one day a week will go a long way in helping our seniors remain well fed and safe. smile to a home bound individuals.

Other opportunities to volunteer include preparing daily meals for delivery, serving meals at a Capital City Café site, holding a collection drive for our Pet Food or Senior Wish programs, organizing a fundraiser or dress down day, hosting an in-office team building activity to brighten our seniors’ day, such as making bookmarks, placemats or holiday cards, participating in one of our social media campaigns, serving on our board of directors or a committee, or supporting a special project that serves our mission. To discuss any of these further, give us a call at (401) 351-6700 or click here to make a donation that supports our mission.

6. Are there any upcoming events you would like to share with us? How will Meals on Wheels of RI be celebrating its 50th anniversary? 

Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island is celebrating its 50^th anniversary with Festival of Meals – A Tasting Gala. This exciting event with a foodie twist will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center  located at 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI.

Festival of Meals boasts an evening of fabulous tastings, cocktails, an exciting culinary competition and spectacular auctions. There will be a private swanky VIP lounge hosted by Millonzis Fine Catering starting at 6 p.m. The Main Event begins at 7 p.m. with the “Top Dish” Culinary Competition! Guests will sample mouthwatering bites from 18 of Rhode Island’s leading culinary establishments competing for the “Top Dish” of the evening! This exciting evening of food, cocktails and auctions comes to a wrap at 10 p.m. Click here to purchase a ticket.

7. Where can we go to learn more? 

Visit our website at rimeals.org to learn more about our services or to make a donation to our work. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!