For over four decades, Meals On Wheels of Northampton County has supported the independent living of the elderly and disabled in our community by providing nutritious meals and the friendly smile of a delivery volunteer.
As a private, non-for-profit organization, our program began in Bethlehem in 1971 by the Mayor’s Task Force on Health and Welfare. Under the direction of Dr. Edwin Frey, MOW Board President, the board and staff began serving meals to 18 clients on February 14, 1972.
In 1989, with the cost of catering escalating and an increasing client base, the Board decided to build a central kitchen with administrative offices. In 1991, we opened the doors to our current facility and began preparing our own meals.
In 2002, Meals On Wheels of Northampton County was awarded certification by the Meals On Wheels Association of America, a training and advocacy organization for senior nutrition programs. During February 2003, our client base increased by 31% when we acquired clients in the Easton area who had been previously served by a program at Easton Hospital. In May 2004, we became the meal vendor for Meals On Wheels of Lehigh County.
In 2009, we started preparing and delivering meals to 10 Senior Centers within Lehigh County.
In 2010, we became the meal vendor for Meals On Wheels of Monroe County.
Our impact is measurable.
Through the dedicated effort of our volunteers and hundreds of generous benefactors, Meals On Wheels of Northampton County:
- prepares 1,900 meals daily for seniors in Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe Counties, including 2 Adult Day Care Centers and 10 Senior Centers!
- utilizes the services of 90 volunteers each day who deliver meals to 650 clients on 55 routes daily in Northampton County!
During 2012, this will amount to:
- 1,100 volunteers, 1,548 clients, and 470,000 meals
Pennsylvania is currently among the “oldest” states in the nation, ranking third in the percentage of people 65 and older (following Florida and West Virginia). As our population ages – and life expectancies continue to rise – the need for Meals On Wheels will surely continue.
Personal Achievements and Recognition
In 2010, after completing a rigorous application and site review process by Meals On Wheels Association of America (www.mowaa.org), Northampton County was awarded Exemplary Status Magnet Accreditation (3 years) for its outstanding senior nutrition program.
Meals On Wheels of Northampton county was selected to receive the 2011 Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nutrition for Older Pennsylvanians by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
