In an exciting development, Meals on Wheels San Diego County hosted a demolition event in Kearny Mesa to mark the beginning of construction on their new operation hub located at 9590 Chesapeake Dr. This non-profit organization, known for providing cooked meals and wellness checks to older adults, is expanding its facilities to meet the increasing demand for its services, according to a report in The San Diego Union-Tribune. The event, attended by local leaders and supporters, signals a significant step toward enhancing the organization’s capabilities to serve a growing population of seniors in the region.
As the San Diego population aged 55 and older continues to grow, the need for essential nutrition services for seniors aging at home is on the rise. Meals on Wheels San Diego County, which already operates in several locations throughout the county, experienced a 47 percent surge in its client base during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the organization delivered over 624,000 meals to 4,503 adults, according to the report. While it managed to adapt to the challenges using its existing facilities, the need for expansion became evident.
President and CEO Brent Wakefield emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating in the report, “We need to make it a permanent infrastructure, instead of Scotch tape, bubble gum, and dental floss tying it all together.” The new operation hub aims to provide the organization with additional food preparation and storage capacity, space for in-person events, and areas for volunteers to gather.
Once completed, the newly designed Kearny Mesa facility will not only help Meals on Wheels San Diego County maintain its current level of service but also enable it to scale up significantly. The goal is to serve up to 2 million meals annually within the next two years. This ambitious target reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring that older adults have access to nutritious meals and social engagement opportunities, allowing them to maintain their independence and age in place.
Guest of honor Joseph Kennedy III, president of Citizens Energy, expressed the importance of volunteers’ role in Meals on Wheels. He noted that volunteers serve as a vital connection to clients, offering more than just meals. They provide a crucial social check-in, ensuring the well-being of the seniors they serve. His company donated $370,000 for the purchase of six electric vans to help deliver the meals across the county.
For many, Meals on Wheels holds a deep and personal significance. San Carlos resident Charlotte Rubin, a long-time volunteer, shared her family’s connection to the organization. Her grandmother received Meals on Wheels deliveries in the early 1970s after an accident made it difficult for her to prepare her food. Rubin emphasized the organization’s role in preserving the independence of seniors, stating in the report, “Meals on Wheels does more than deliver meals.”
The groundbreaking event in Kearny Mesa marks a pivotal moment for Meals on Wheels San Diego County. With the construction of this new operation hub, the organization is taking a bold step toward serving the growing senior population in San Diego.
