Our History
In 1972, Reverend James W. Kendell, pastor of the First Christian Church, along with a group of local church members, civic organizations, and many local individuals invested their time and resources into creating the Meals On Wheels of Winter Haven program. The program was later relocated to our present location at 620 6th Street NW. MOW is a non-profit corporation, chartered by the State of Florida.
Our Mission
The Mission of Meals on Wheels of Polk County shall be to provide hot, nutritionally balanced meals and a daily contact to the homebound residents of the Polk County area. Our program provides a means of independence for many of our senior citizens – in some cases, it is a means of survival.
MEALS ON WHEELS, INC., is a non-profit organization, actively supported by churches, civic organizations, businesses, and hundreds of active volunteers and residents throughout the Polk County Area.
Thank you to The Rays Community Fund Grant Program who provided $5,000 assistance to enhance and support Meals on Wheels of Polk County as we continue to deliver meals to the homebound. The Rays focused on providing support to our community in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Donations are very much appreciated on our website, by mail or phone. Thank you RAYS for providing a bright spot in a difficult time. 
Next Event
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS!
Meals on Wheels could really use your help!
Apply online https://mealsonwheelspolk.com/volunteer-application/
Come join us! Take care of our Community!
“Together we can Deliver!
As a Meals on Wheels volunteer, during this COVID crisis it means dropping meals at the door and backing up to a safe distance before the recipient comes to the door. Conversations that have become the norm with the people delivered to now must happen from a distance. But with many people who get Meals on Wheels at elevated risk of complications from COVID-19, they are relying on meals delivered to their home more than ever.
“It’s more of a wave with a ‘Hey, how are you doing?’” Our volunteers have to just rest easy knowing that they are still providing much needed food and a friendly face.
Apply online https://mealsonwheelspolk.com/volunteer-application/
Also, our northern friends will be leaving in April and not return until October. If you would be interested in driving one day a week or being a substitute please apply online and call 863-299-1616.
Upcoming Events
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have moved our Annual Fundraiser to February 26, 2021. PARTNERS/SPONSORS ARE NEEDED NOW. DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED. PARTNER WITH MEALS ON WHEELS ALL YEAR TO FEED THE HOMEBOUND!
CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR/PARTNER PAGE. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL 2019 FUNDRAISING SPONSORS AND DONORS.
PARTNER WITH MEALS ON WHEELS!
HELP US MEET OUR 2020 FUNDRAISER SPONSOR GOAL OF $50,000.
These are confusing, anxiety-filled, and uncertain times for all of us. But this doesn’t mean the important work of feeding the homebound has stopped. Each year we deliver close to 100,000 meals. Our services just look a little different during this time of uneasiness and uncertainty. Here’s what we’re doing:
- Volunteers continue to deliver meals w/masks & gloves
- Implementing a no-contact food delivery service
- Added new recipients needing meals
- Added new volunteers wanting to help
- Year-round fundraiser Thrift Store is closed-loss of income
Your support means this important work can continue. We have had to get creative with our programs, and will continue to work towards our goal of feeding the homebound.
Please support this important mission by clicking the DONATE button below and giving as you are able.
You will choose the quantity on Order Form. Please use the shipping and name address of the recipient. Thank you.
Contact Us
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Happy Volunteers
Special Thanks
We would like to thank the generosity of the George W Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation
$5,000 2020 Grant
$10,000 2020 Grant United Way of Central Florida and GiveWell Community Foundation
$15,000 2019 Grant
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your Empower 2018 grant of $5,000 to help with Website Upgrade and Online Volunteer Application forms. Thank you Empower 2019 $3,977.67 to advertise for Volunteers. Meals on Wheels has been built on our Volunteers and Donations from our Generous Community!
Special Thanks
We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Publix Super Markets Charities for giving us $5,000 to help us continue our mission. Thank you for your support!
Special Thanks
We’re grateful to receive a @Darden Citizen Restaurant Community Grant from our local LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Gardens & Red Lobsters. This grant helps us advance our mission To Deliver a Hot, Nutritious Meal and a Daily Contact to the Homebound.
Special Thanks
We would like to thank Winn-Dixie for giving us $5,000 to help us continue our mission. Thank you for your support!
Special Thanks
We would also like to thank Florida Natural Growers Foundation for giving us $9,000 to help us continue our mission. Thank you for your support!
Special Thanks
We would like to thank the City of Winter Haven for giving us a $15,000 Grant/Donation for 2019 to help us Feed the Homebound! Thank you for your Support!