Meals on Wheels of Lewes & Rehoboth, Inc.
was organized in 1970 and funded by the Delaware Division of
Aging in 1973. In its first year, this program delivered
16,609 meals to our areas homebound. By the end of the 1970s,
more than 20,000 meals per year were being distributed. As
client needs grew, the program expanded to include a holistic
approach to providing services. Over 90,000 meals are served
to homebound participants of our program each year.
There is a misconception throughout the state that Eastern
Sussex County is populated with only wealthy retirees, who
remain forever youthful and healthy. Unfortunately, this
is not so. Even a more than modest retirement account
can be wiped out almost overnight when catastrophic and/or
chronic illness comes to call. If you were to compare
the cost of institutionalization with the cost of providing
home delivered meals, you will surely see that the Meals on
Wheels program is a cost effective alternative.
Our program grows at a rate of 3 - 6% per year in overall
service, due to the advancing age of retirees and their
increased susceptibility to life-threatening illnesses.
In addition, we anticipate the same increase in the under 60
growth rate, due to the ever-growing numbers of disabled
persons under the age of 60. Volunteers make this meal
service possible.
Currently, Meals on Wheels has over 125 wonderfully dedicated,
volunteers who make this distribution a reality. Each day,
drivers, with their partners, deliver two meals to each client
on one of eleven routes, covering approximately 1/3 of Sussex
County, Delaware's largest county. Client numbers being on the
rise, recruitment of additional drivers is continuous. Click here to learn about
volunteering.
We are an organization proud of our volunteer heritage, proud
to stand on our own two feet so to speak. However, we
are always accepting of any assistance offered to us by our
caring community members and business associates.
Without such help, Meals on Wheels of Lewes & Rehoboth,
Inc. would not be in existence today.
