Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that delivers nutritious meals to eligible county residents who are homebound. Meals are currently made by the helpful staff at Ranch Hope.
Meals on Wheels of Salem County began delivery on September 6, 1977. Meals were served to 15 clients. The first month, 150 volunteers served 324 meals prepared by Elmer Community Hospital. Funding was provided by a grant from the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders and seed money from the United Way of Salem County. Anne Henky served as director until her retirement in 1991. Sharron Sparks Boyle held the position of director the following 19 years until she retired in 2009. The Board then hired Peg Marshall, who currently serves as director.
In 2009, Meals on Wheels delivered 44,750 meals to 266 clients. Volunteers drove more than 65,000 miles and donated over 5,200 hours of time in 2009. More than 350 volunteers currently serve meals and provide support to Meals on Wheels by helping with events, office work and other needs.
Meals on Wheels receives funding from a Social Service Block Grant, State Home Delivered Meals, the United Way of Salem County, Title III of the Older Americans Act, Casino Revenue Funds, Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders, local churches, FEMA, grants, private donations, client donations and fundraising events.