September 6, 2017
Meals on Wheels Texas is thrilled by a contribution of $75,000 provided by the Texas Department of Agriculture to support the Meals on Wheels Texas Disaster Relief Fund. This funding allowed Meals on Wheels Texas to immediately purchase 18,000 shelf stable meals which were provided last week to local Meals on Wheels programs and delivered to those most in need. It will also reimburse an additional 4,850 shelf stable meals that were made by fellow Meals on Wheels providers and sent to disaster impacted areas. So far, meals have been distributed across the disaster area including: Houston, Victoria, Liberty County, San Patricio County, Beaumont, Giddings, Galveston, Lavaca County, and Montgomery County. Meals on Wheels Texas has also donated seven pallets of water to Beaumont. Meals on Wheels Texas will use additional funds to provide sub-grants to local Meals on Wheels providers in the FEMA declared disaster areas. The critical needs of these providers are still being identified as the floods recede and the impact of the devastation becomes clear.
“Meals on Wheels Texas is incredibly grateful to the Texas Department of Agriculture for this generous donation. We have heard from providers across Southeast Texas about the challenges they are facing. Many have experienced damage to their facilities and kitchens, volunteers are not able to deliver as their cars or houses have flooded, and until recently many roads were not passable. However, despite that, Meals on Wheels providers have been checking on their clients and providing meals as the roads clear. This donation allowed us to assist programs with an immediate need to provide shelf stable meals and will also allow us to provide some additional assistance once the full extent of the impact is known. We are so appreciative,” said Greg Pittman, President Meals on Wheels Texas.
The Texas Department of Agriculture also sees the benefit of this partnership.
“The mission of Meals on Wheels is an important one,” Commissioner Miller said. “But in times of disaster like now, their work is even more important. The compassion of a warm meal and a warmer heart is vital to helping our neighbors recover from something like Hurricane Harvey. The Texas Department of Agriculture is honored to help support their mission with this contribution. On behalf of all Texans, I just want to say thank you to Meals on Wheels Texas, and keep up the good work!”
Between now and September 30th, 100% of all donations made to Meals on Wheels Texas at www.mealsonwheelstexas.org will be distributed to local Meals on Wheels providers.