‘More Than a Meal’

March 29, 2022 Simone Ellin, Associate Editor

Meet some of Charm City’s premier business and professional leaders, coming from the worlds of academia, business, medical, food service and philanthropy.

Stephanie Archer Smith
Meals on Wheels Executive Director

Stephanie Archer Smith
Executive Director
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland

For more than 60 years, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland has provided nutritious meals, friendly visits, and a variety of other services to homebound older adults and individuals with disabilities. It’s a safety net that these vulnerable populations can’t live without.

But during the pandemic, says executive director Stephanie Archer-Smith, the organization saw unprecedented food insecurity among entirely new populations.

“COVID really exposed a lot of the underlying need that was out there,” says Archer-Smith. “The number of meals we distributed actually tripled! We received many, many requests for services and really wanted to make sure that we were as responsive to the community and to our partners as possible,” says Archer-Smith.

Thanks to “the grit and hard work of our staff, and the help of volunteers and donors, the organization successfully rose to the challenge.” While meal provision is a huge aspect of the assistance Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland provides, it’s by no means the organization’s only service.

“Everyone who receives meals from us participates in a comprehensive in-home assessment that helps to determine what other supports they might need,” says Archer-Smith.

That might mean clients receive supplemental food in addition to the two meals a day Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland typically provides. Or perhaps it’s the help of a personalized shopper. The organization’s Call Connections program provides once or twice a week phone calls to clients.

“It’s a program that grew dramatically over the pandemic because of the social isolation that people were experiencing,” says Archer-Smith. Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland staff also helps enroll clients in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), makes referrals to other social service agencies when necessary, and even has a partnership with the SPCA that provides pet food delivery!

While the pandemic appears to be winding down, Archer-Smith expects that community needs will continue to be great. “We still need volunteers and donations,” she says. There are volunteer opportunities for individuals, corporate groups as well as teens who need community service hours.

One way to support Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland is by attending its upcoming fundraiser “Night of a Million Meals” on May 23.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland
mealsonwheelsmd.org
515 South Haven St., Baltimore, MD 21224
410-558-0827