Mobile Meals on the Move

Edmond Mobile Meals believes in nourishing food and social connection for Edmond’s homebound residents. What they don’t believe in? Wait lists. That’s why the non-profit’s upcoming expansion is as exciting as it is essential for Edmond’s elderly residents. “We are essentially the Meals on Wheels for the Edmond community,” explained Edmond Mobile Meals Executive Director, Cristi Twenter. Since 1974, the non-profit, charitable organization has operated independently.

From the midst of moving boxes, Cristi explained that the renovations will triple the non-profit’s capacity to serve. “We are growing exponentially, serving 20% more people this year than the year before, and 40% more than the year before that. We are determined to never put people on a wait list.” With the over-sixty population doubling by 2050, the organization predicts an even greater demand for their programs in the future. 

Until expansion is completed within the next year, Cristi says their team will continue to “make it work.” Temporarily operating from Edmond Senior Center at Mitch Park, Cristi and her team have adjusted cooking times, tweaked their delivery schedule, and worked tirelessly to deliver fresh meals to nearly 300 seniors per day.

The delivery route requires 17 drivers and takes one to two hours to complete. While drivers are currently the most in demand, there are other ways to serve the cause. Community members can also contribute with a weekly phone call as a Friendly Caller, or sign up as a visitor to provide program participants with much-needed social engagement. 

“Many of our clients live alone, and may or may not have family here. When they enroll, we ask about their loneliness and isolation,” Cristi said. “Visitors might go for a walk, have coffee, or do whatever the client enjoys to form a connection.” 

Edmond Mobile Meals is 100% privately funded, relying on grants and private donations. Cristi drew some surprising cost comparisons between their programs and other health-care related expenses. “Research tells us a client can receive a year of our meals for the cost of one day in the hospital or ten days in a nursing home,” Cristi said. “Just $35 can provide an entire week’s worth of meals for one of our participants.”

Learn more about Edmond Mobile Meals, and current volunteer opportunities at edmondmobilemeals.org.