Meals on Wheels San Antonio works to eliminate hunger, decrease isolation and foster independence among seniors by providing meals, companionship and Alzheimer’s care. Each weekday, the nonprofit prepares and delivers a meal and a social call to more than 4,500 seniors in need. If the nonprofit reaches 500 votes, the $5,000 donation they’ve already earned doubles to $10,000!
Providing more than a meal
Along with delivering nutritious meals directly to seniors, Meals on Wheels helps provide the gift of self-sufficiency. Its work enables older and disabled people to remain healthy and independent in their own homes. This further allows seniors to avoid expensive and invasive healthcare alternatives such as unnecessary trips to the emergency room, hospitalizations and nursing home placements.
A SWBC employee delivers meals to Meals on Wheels recipients during the pandemic in 2021.
Founded in 1977, Meals on Wheels began as a small program serving 20 clients a year. Today, it delivers more than 1.5 million meals to about 7,000 seniors annually across south-central Texas. Along with preparing and delivering meals, the nonprofit offers a range of supporting programs including AniMeals, Friendly Visitor, Comfy Casas and Grace Place Alzheimer’s Services.
The AniMeals service offers pet wellness services and delivers monthly pet food to seniors who would otherwise risk their own health to share their meals with their companion pets. Friendly Visitor provides much-needed social engagement to homebound seniors and disabled neighbors by pairing a client with a volunteer who regularly visits, calls and sends mail.
The Comfy Casas service enables clients to safely age in place by addressing their living conditions and home safety needs and doing free minor home repairs and modifications. Grace Place Alzheimer’s Services provides socialization and activities for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related diseases.
“We love what Meals on Wheels does for our fragile senior population and we’re proud to support their work,” said Joy Larson, CEO of SWBC Insurance Services. “And delivering food is just the beginning. Since many recipients live alone, Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers also take the time to visit and brighten their day with compassion and companionship.”
“We love what Meals on Wheels does for our fragile senior population and we’re proud to support their work.” – Joy Larson, CEO, SWBC Insurance Services
A team effort
Through its foundation, SWBC Insurance Services has supported Meals on Wheels in many ways since 2000. It’s a true team effort with all 40 SWBC employees pitching in. Its staff helps by delivering meals to seniors twice a week, organizing an annual golf tournament the company started in 2021, donating money and volunteering time as needed. In addition, Larson has served on the board of directors of Meals on Wheels.
In 2019, SWBC gifted a branded delivery van to the nonprofit that it uses to deliver meals to those in need throughout San Antonio. And in 2022, the agency donated $10,000 to assist with Meals on Wheel’s Winter Storm Kit Delivery Event, which included dropping off a week’s worth of food to about 4,500 seniors in the community.
Partnership during the pandemic
During the pandemic, Meals on Wheels saw a reduction in volunteers, especially from corporate volunteer groups. “We are so grateful that SWBC was one of the first corporate teams to come back and volunteer as the pandemic eased,” said Vinsen Faris, Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels San Antonio. “Their dedication during these uncertain times ensures that our senior neighbors continue to receive the care and nutrition they need.”
“We are so grateful that SWBC was one of the first corporate teams to come back and volunteer as the pandemic eased. Their dedication ensures that our senior neighbors continue to receive the care and nutrition they need.” – Vinsen Faris, Chief Executive Officer, Meals on Wheels San Antonio
Care and companionship for the most vulnerable
A $10,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance would help Meals on Wheels San Antonio prepare and deliver meals to 4,500 clients in the San Antonio community. In addition, the grant would also help with their support programs, such as the Grace Place Alzheimer’s Services, and continue to provide resources to families living with dementia. Help SWBC Insurance Services win another $5,000 for Meals on Wheels San Antonio by cheering them on with a vote!
If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.
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Good job!
I am certain we are here to lend a hand to others who need it whether by donating money, delivering food or visiting, while providing supporting words of encouragement. Thank you so much SWBC team for all you have done and to every single person who has championed, promoted and sustained Meals on Wheels initiatives.
I am proud to be part of a company that supports our senior community. Congratulations SWBC!
Meals on Wheels does wonderful work in our community delivering meals and a smile to our beautiful seniors in San Antonio!
Wonderful cause! Great work SWBC team!
Great Story and Company
Thank you SWBC for your continued service to the community!! Love this company that cares about people!!
Meals on Wheels San Antonio is one of the hardest working organizations I’ve ever known.They were absolute heroes during the worst days of the pandemic and continue to serve more of our most vulnerable neighbors in 14 Texas counties. They deserve our support! Thank you, SWBC.
I work for SWBC and when I was located at HQ myself and others delivered meals once a week in our lunch hour for Meals on Wheels for about 2 years. It was very rewarding and the seniors were always glad to send you. Go SWBC!
Thank you, SWBC, for your continued service to the community. It’s an honor and a joy to work for such an amazing company who gives back to It’s community.
The SWBC family epitomizes community service ! A great company to work for and to have in the community
This is service to the community. I am Proud to be part of the SWBC family.
I look forward to seeing the folks on my route each week. They are always so glad for the food and the attention. Thanks to SWBC for helping support out seniors..
This is an important service to seniors.
Providing nourishment and a smile to so many people. SWBC really cares. – Thank you
Thank you SWBC, what a great charity to help out!
Thank you, SWBC!
thanks swbc!
SWBC is a wonderful company that gives back to the community.
So proud to work for SWBC! What a great program!
Great job SWBC, love your commitment to SA!
Such a wonderful organization and way to give back!
What a great way to give back.
Moving in a powerful way, even in the midst of difficulty, positively impacting others. Thank you and bravo SWBC!
This is such a great program. Congratulations SWBC!
Outstanding ! Congratulations to SWBC Foundation! Excellent cause and organization!
Proud of the collaboration between SWBC and Meals on Wheels!
This is such a wonderful program!
Great cause
Thank you to SWBC and to Meals on Wheels for helping aid our seniors.
Thank you!
I love charity and full bellies!
We love that MOW helps so many family’s!
I am lucky to be a part of this wonderful team!
Cool!
Perfect way to make a difference and give back to the community! Meals on Wheels…Let’s help them wheels roll!!!
Meals on Wheels is a wonderful organization that I’m proud to support!
Such a great initiative to support families in need!
So happy to see the community come together to support our seniors and their families! Way to go SWBC!!
Amazing work!
Thank you!
I’m happy to see this! Thank you!
This is awesome! So proud to work for SWBC! Great job everyone.
Fantastic work! Great job everyone.
Great way to give back to the community! Go SWBC!
A great example of team effort and a way to help our community. Way to go SWBC!
Thank you for your help in the community!!! Go SWBC!
God Bless you SWBC Foundation, Liberty Mutual, and Safeco Insurance for helping us in the San Antonio area❣
Way to go, SWBC! Congratulations!