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Delivering More Than a Meal

Each weekday morning, up to 40 volunteers arrive at the small facility, and within a couple of hours, 700 meals are being distributed throughout northern Sarasota.

  • By Meals on Wheels Sarasota
  • | 12:00 a.m. February 29, 2024
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Meals on Wheels of Sarasota depends on its volunteers, not only to help package and deliver hot meals to its homebound clients, but for so much more. 

“The energy the volunteers bring to our organization every day is inspiring,” says executive director Rhonda Leiberick. 

Each weekday morning, up to 50 volunteers arrive at the small facility, and within a couple of hours, 700 meals are being distributed throughout northern Sarasota. “They find relief knowing the driver is coming with their meal,” Leiberick says. “It brings them peace of mind.” 

Anyone from age 16 and up can join Meals on Wheels in assembling and preparing food. Drivers must be at least 18. Besides bringing sustenance, they also provide social interaction that some of their clients wouldn’t have otherwise. 

In some cases, volunteers have even helped their clients get emergency medical attention. 

“The volunteers really do create bonds with their clients,” says Leiberick. Drivers usually keep the same route for years. One woman has driven her route with Meals on Wheels of Sarasota for 30 years! 

Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. With our services our clients have even more gratitude to express; 97% of our clients say receiving our meals keeps them independent in their home. 

Meals on Wheels clients pay a monthly cost for delivery, and the program is not income based, contrary to popular belief. Clients qualify for delivery if they are elderly, homebound or unable to make their own meals due to a medical condition. 

However, clients whose income is below a certain threshold can pay a reduced cost and take advantage of the Meals on Wheels Pet Love program, which delivers cat and dog food monthly. 

With a mission “to provide daily nutritious meals, social interaction and wellness checks for the homebound and elderly in our community,” Meals on Wheels of Sarasota takes care of our most vulnerable neighbors. 

If you are interested in volunteering or joining a committee, Leiberick invites you to take a tour of the Meals on Wheels of Sarasota facility. Call her at 941-220-6036 or email her at [email protected].