Meals on Wheels of Tampa is a nonprofit organization that has been providing meals for those in need in the Tampa area since 1975.
The organization aims to provide fresh and nutritious meals for seniors and individuals who are homebound. Volunteers work hard each day to deliver over 800 hot meals daily.
Meals on Wheels is participating in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event. Over the past 13 years, Subaru has helped the organization deliver more than 2.5 million meals. From Nov. 18, 2021 through Jan. 3, 2022, for every new Subaru vehicle purchased, the company will donate $250 to the participating charity of the customer’s choice.
Subaru of North Tampa has chosen Meals on Wheels of Tampa as their “Hometown Charity” to help provide additional support to the organization’s cause.
Meals on Wheels of Tampa is specific to the Tampa area, but there are over 5,000 community-based programs across the United States that share the same goal of helping senior hunger and isolation.
Along with a fresh meal, volunteers can provide positive interactions and lasting connections with the recipients. Individuals who are homebound may be struggling with loneliness and a daily visit can be helpful.
“The most rewarding part is just the smile on the recipient’s faces,” said volunteer Kelley Moore.
“So many of the folks that we help care for are struggling,” said Steve King, the executive director of Meals on Wheels of Tampa. “They’re isolated, alone, many times hungry and the whole goal of our mission is to help people remain independent.”
There are more than 10 million older adults in the United States that face hunger each year. Individuals that experience food insecurity may face negative physical and mental impacts. There is a higher chance of having diabetes or suffering from depression.
For more information on the Subaru Share the Love Event or volunteering with the organization, visit the Meals on Wheels of Tampa website.
