Dogwood Restaurant whips up dinners for Meals on Wheels

Hartling has also heard good things from MOW clients. “Within the first week of us taking over, people noticed the changes and started commenting about the higher quality of food,” he said.
MOW pays the Dogwood $5 per meal, which is how much the organization used to pay JABA.
To accommodate the additional demand, Hartling hired two new morning workers to cook the meals for MOW, he said.
“It wasn’t about the money for us. It’s about helping the community,” said Hartling. “Meals on Wheels is an excellent program that the Dogwood is very proud to be a part of.” Hartling said he anticipates holding onto the contract so that his restaurant can continue to partner with MOW.
“It was very cool that we were able to stay in Fluvanna and keep our business local,” said Himes. “We’re glad we can keep our money in the community.”
MOW relies entirely on donations and grants, said Himes. “We do not receive any state, federal, or local dollars,” she said.
On Jan. 6 MOW started its weekend meal program. “It’s done really well – 52 people are getting weekend meals,” said Himes.
The weekend meal program was dreamed up by volunteers at Palmyra United Methodist Church, who do all the coordinating, buying, and delivering, said Himes. The volunteers buy non-perishable food, package it, and deliver it to the clients. “It’s an extra delivery to our clients so it’s an extra wellness check for them, too,” said Himes. “It’s completely free to the clients.”
The volunteers buy the weekend meal items from E. W. Thomas, so “we really are staying local now with the entire organization,” said Himes. “The weekend meal program has been amazing for our clients who don’t have any way to get to the grocery store.”
For more information about Meals on Wheels, call 434-589-1685.