Meals on Wheels Montgomery celebrates serving 5 million meals with community supporters

In a heartfelt presentation at the Montgomery City Council Work Session on June 17, 2025, Meals on Wheels representatives expressed gratitude for the city's ongoing support as they approach a significant milestone: serving 5 million meals since their inception. Chris, the spokesperson, introduced new development director Brian Windgott and senior services director Pam Goodwin, who has dedicated over 25 years to the organization.

The team shared updates on their operations, including a detailed report on meal distribution across various districts, highlighting the number of hot and frozen meals served, as well as the waiting lists for assistance. However, they also raised concerns about potential funding cuts from Washington, D.C., which could impact their ability to provide meals. A significant portion of their hot meal funding comes from the Central Alabama Aging Consortium, and any reductions could lead to fewer meals served.

Additionally, the future of the RSVP program, which supports senior volunteers, is uncertain. The program is currently under scrutiny, and its potential loss could result in the elimination of four staff positions funded through AmeriCorps.

Despite these challenges, Meals on Wheels remains resilient, with 69% of their budget supported by private donations and fundraising events, including their recent culinary caper and golf tournament, both of which exceeded expectations. They are currently in the midst of their senior pledge campaign, which will run until September.

Looking ahead, the organization is set to host a Chamber of Commerce 60 Minute Coffee event on August 19, inviting council members to join them for networking and community engagement.

As the meeting concluded, Chris thanked the council for their support, particularly acknowledging Marcia for her assistance with plumbing issues at their facility. The session underscored the vital role of community collaboration in sustaining essential services for Montgomery's seniors.