Meals-on-Wheels, Inc. of Greenwich (MOW) provides nourishing meals to Greenwich residents who are not able to cook for themselves. This might be due to situations such as old age, a recent hospitalization, or a release from a rehabilitation facility. People eligible for the meal delivery service can be of any age. All it takes is a phone call to MOW at 203-869-1312.The first MOW started in England during World War II by the British Women’s Voluntary Service for Civil Defense in 1943. Delivery of meals began as a reaction to the 1943 Influenza epidemic, providing meals for the elderly and the sick. A ‘meals on wheels’ service was organized for the aged because all of the caretakers of these people were serving in the war. By 1956 one million meals a year were being delivered in 320 areas, and by 1962 four million meals were being served in 790 regions.In Greenwich, MOW began in 1960 by the Greenwich Women’s Club. They started with two meals a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays that included a hot dinner and a cold protein. Projects to help pay for the MOW service at the time included sales of books, toys, costume jewelry, and fruit cake. In 1962 MOW of Greenwich made over 1,600 deliveries to customers. Today, MOW delivers over 1,900 meals per month to Greenwich residents.And how does MOW help the children of Greenwich? Four years ago, it was brought to their attention that there was a need to support nutritional meals for children in the four Greenwich Family Centers preschool programs and children participating in the Horizons at Brunswick School program. These children are provided with weekend meals, delivered to the schools by our 75 caring volunteer drivers. No child should ever go hungry, and MOW helps meet that need.There are no income restrictions, no complicated forms to fill out, and no medical referrals needed. MOW delivers meals to those who cannot shop and prepare meals for themselves for any length of time, as well as to special younger citizens.To become a client or volunteer, please call 203-869-1312 or go to https://mealsonwheelsofgreenwich.org
