Meals on Wheels hosts second Lunchbox fundraiser this year, as need for older adults grows

CEDAR RAPIDS — With steady demand and projected funding changes in the next fiscal year, Meals on Wheels is holding a second fundraiser to help feed older adults in need.

Lunchbox, the largest annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, is typically held each May. But as the program looks ahead, it sees reason to hold a second fundraiser this year.

The program used to offer its 1,500 clients in Linn, Johnson and Washington counties two meals a day. Starting in July, it had to reduce its services to one meal per day.

Most clients live on less than $1,200 per month.

“In order to continue and not have an impending waitlist, we want to make sure the program is funded,” said Melissa Meyer, director of Community Health and Nutrition for Horizons, the nonprofit that manages Meals on Wheels. “A waitlist would mean there are potentially people who wouldn’t get meals, or who would have to wait.”

The program has grown by about 300 clients in the last two years. U.S. Census estimates project the proportion of older residents in the area will continue to grow significantly over the next decade.

Lunch orders for box meals can be placed by individuals, groups or corporations at horizonsfamily.org. Orders are being accepted now for delivery through Aug. 30. A two-day notice is needed for most orders.

The boxes lunches start at $15 with options like barbecue chicken, corned beef, turkey clubs and charcuterie boxes. Lunches come with a bag of chips, fresh cut fruit and dip, plus an optional cookie for dessert. Delivery is available for orders over $60, but individuals can pick orders up directly.

“Lunchbox has always been our largest fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, so it helps us support the largest program we have,” Meyer said. “We hope it’s a win-win to support the program as well as get a meal you may already be (buying) anyway.”

The annual May fundraisers typically bring in about $35,000 for Meals on Wheels, which operates with a $2.3 million budget. Horizons is hoping the extra August fundraiser will bring in a similar amount to help cover a projected gap from the end of American Rescue Plan Act funding, as well as several large kitchen equipment expenses recently incurred.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.