Lawrence Meals on Wheels’s mission has always been to provide food service for the aged, convalescent and/or disabled residing in Lawrence, Kansas, regardless of race, color or creed, in order to remain independent in their own homes as long as possible. It has always been our goal to provide our services to eligible clients regardless of their ability to pay.
Lawrence Meals on Wheels provides hot nutritious meals to the homebound elderly and/or disabled, residing in Lawrence, who have a special dietary need and/or are unable to prepare their own meals. We are the only program in Lawrence that can provide specialized diets such as diabetic, low fat, renal, etc. We are also the only program that serves those under 60 year of age. Our clients currently range in age from 35 – 100.
Our service helps our clients to maintain their independence and remain in their own homes as long as possible. We not only deliver meals which are vital to their health, but also a daily point of contact and socialization for those who might otherwise not have one. Our drivers are not only delivering meals but are checking to make sure the client is okay every day. For some of our clients, our drivers are the only social contact they receive.
Our goal has always been to never turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay. Since we started in March 1970, we have remained true to our mission and goals.
We receive funding from a variety of sources, including grants and donations from foundations, civic and church organizations, businesses, individuals and various fundraisers.
In addition, Lawrence Meals On Wheels receives support from the following:
- The Older Americans Act – state and federal funds via Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
- The Rice Foundation
- The Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation
- The Douglas County Community Foundation
- Cans for Community
- Dillon’s Reward Shopper’s Card
- Angel Tree Annual Holiday Appeal
- 2019 The Merc Change Jar Recipient
- “Chefs & Refs” Annual Meals on Wheels Charity Auction
- Goodsearch.com and Goodshop.com
- Amazon Smile
Our clients are only asked to pay what they can afford. We purchase the food for $5.00 from Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The total meal costs us over $7.00. The average amount clients can pay is between $1.50-$2.50.