Louise Smith, an 88-year-old Fort Worth resident, received the 30 millionth meal from Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County. The organization’s senior staff and board of directors were on hand to deliver the milestone meal.

A Community of Care

Smith has been a recipient of meals from the organization since 2002. "I feel good and I feel so happy," Smith said of being the chosen recipient. "I appreciate everything that you all do."

The milestone marks more than 50 years of service for the nonprofit, which now delivers between 3,000 and 3,500 meals daily across North Texas. Alissa Deaton, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, said the monumental number represents far more than just food delivery.

"Today we’re really celebrating all of the things that led up to this point," Deaton said. "This represents thousands of volunteers, staff members, donors and so many people who have said we take care of our own and our community."

More Than Just a Meal

Meals on Wheels volunteers check on their clients’ overall well-being and build relationships that often become the clients’ only social interaction in a given week. "We know that when our volunteers knock on a door they’re not just delivering a nutritious meal, they’re delivering a human connection," Deaton said.

Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare, who helped on the morning’s assembly line, said that connection is one of the organization’s most valuable services. "Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County is one of the top nonprofits in Tarrant County," O’Hare said. "They make a huge difference in the lives of seniors who oftentimes don’t see anybody for days on end."

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.