Forsyth County marked a remarkable milestone this week as its Meals‑on‑Wheels program completed its eight‑millionth delivery. The landmark delivery was made to 105‑year‑old retired science educator Ben Briggs, with Governor Josh Stein joining Senior Services Inc. to hand over the meal and celebrate the program’s impact on older residents.
Why Meals‑on‑Wheels matters for families
For families caring for aging relatives, the program offers more than a hot plate. It provides a reliable safety net for seniors who are homebound and unable to shop for or prepare a nutritious meal. The service also supplies a daily human connection, giving volunteers a chance to notice any health or safety concerns.
Senior Services cautions that demand can exceed capacity in some neighborhoods, and a waiting list may form when routes are full. Eligibility does not guarantee an immediate opening, but the organization works closely with applicants to find the best fit.
Real‑life impact: Ben Briggs’s story
Briggs’s October profile illustrates the program’s dual role of nourishment and vigilance. During a routine delivery, a volunteer found that Briggs did not answer the door. The volunteer discovered he had fallen and promptly alerted Senior Services, which then contacted his daughter, Bonita, to arrange assistance. This quick response underscores how Meals‑on‑Wheels serves as an informal check‑in system for vulnerable seniors.
Briggs has called Forsyth home since the 1960s, living in the Monticello Park neighborhood, a community known for its educators and professionals. He recalls lasting friendships and support from local institutions such as the Williams Adult Day Center, which, together with meal deliveries, helped him maintain independence.
Program scale and demographics
According to Senior Services’ 2025 Aging Outlook and Service Report, the program provided 234,810 meals to 1,639 participants in fiscal year 2023‑24. The report highlighted that 51% of participants live alone, 39% fall below the poverty line, and 52% identify as Black or African American. These figures demonstrate the program’s reach across diverse socioeconomic groups.
How to access services
Older adults, caregivers, and professionals can start the process by calling the Senior Services Help Line at 336‑724‑2040 or emailing [email protected]. The organization also offers an online Request Help form. Staff conduct a free needs assessment, exploring options beyond meals, such as transportation, personal care, housing choices, home repairs, and long‑term planning.
Volunteer opportunities are available for those who wish to join the weekday routes. Interested volunteers can contact the Meals‑on‑Wheels coordinator at 336‑721‑6961. Participants may enroll alone or with a partner, depending on their circumstances.
Next steps for households
For families considering the service, the immediate step is to reach out to the Help Line, describe the senior’s needs, and confirm whether Meals‑on‑Wheels is available at their address. While the eight‑million‑delivery milestone celebrates the program’s history, the real work continues one household at a time, ensuring that every senior in Forsyth County has access to nutritious food and a caring voice.
Governor Stein’s participation in the milestone delivery highlights the state’s commitment to supporting senior citizens and underscores the importance of community‑based programs that uphold the dignity and well‑being of older North Carolinians.
Original reporting: Winston-Salem Chronicle — read the source article.
