Meals On Wheels Hits Major Milestone In Guilford

GUILFORD, CT — Meals on Wheels in Guilford hit a major milestone earlier this month, as the organization served its 750,000th meal.

The milestone meal was delivered to longtime client Ed Montague.

Under the umbrella of Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, Meals on Wheels started in 1986 with 12 meals served on the first day. According to Guilford Interfaith Volunteers Executive Director Christi Burton, the organization now averages 120 meals per day.

Deliveries are made each day, even on Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving as a gift to clients, and Meals on Wheels also helps celebrate birthdays with cake, cards and flowers.

"We receive no state or federal funding and because of that, we can help anyone," Burton said in a news release. "We are not constricted by age or financial issues. So, when a Guilford resident calls, we can provide them with immediate help if needed. There is no waiting list. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteer drivers. We have six different routes throughout Guilford."

Approxiamtely 85 percent of the food is homemade, according to Burton.

"The kitchen staff uses minimal processed food, and the chef offers a lot of variety on the menu, they also offer seven substitutes in case someone doesn’t care for the meal offered," Burton said. "The cost of the meal is $5 per meal, however, we work with clients if they cannot afford that price."

Burton praised the kitchen staff and volunteers who help make Meals on Wheels go. She also thanked the many supporters of the organization, including:

The Guilford Park & Recreation;The Guilford Rotary; St. George Men’s Group; The Town of Guilford; The Guilford Community Fund; The Guilford Foundation; Bishops; The Marketplace; Guilford High School; First Congregational Church; St. George Church; Archdiocese of Hartford; First Church of Christ; Scientist; North Guilford Congregational; Shoreline Vineyard ; Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale; Town Fair Tire; Guilford Savings Bank; Big Y; and Stop & Shop.

"We are fortunate to have such a great program," Burton said.

Donations from the community are also an important component for Meals on Wheels.

"If anyone would like to help our program, now would be a great time. Unfortunately, meal expenses continue to rise and as a result our costs have gone up significantly," Burton explained. "We are reluctant to pass this on to clients because over 55 percent of all meals delivered are at a reduced rate due to clients being on a fixed income. We appreciate all support."

For more information on Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, Meals on Wheels and how to donate, click here.