Greenwood County Launches Fundraising Campaign for New Meals on Wheels Kitchen

Greenwood County: A New Kitchen for Meals on Wheels

It’s a bustling day in Greenwood County, where the sun might peep out intermittently, casting a warm golden glow on the surroundings. Despite the slight chance of rain later this evening, the air is pleasantly mild, with a high of 72°F expected. Local residents are turning their thoughts to something truly heartwarming—a big project aimed at helping the senior population.

Piedmont Agency on Aging’s Ambitious Plans

Right at the heart of this initiative is Tracey Bedenbaugh, the CEO of the Piedmont Agency on Aging (PAA). With over half a century’s experience under its belt, the PAA has been a beacon of hope for seniors since 1971. It is home to a crucial program known as Meals on Wheels, which provides hot, nutritious meals directly to the doors of seniors across several counties, including Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, and Saluda.

Currently, the PAA prepares a remarkable 850 meals each day—a stat that highlights the unwavering dedication of their team and volunteers. However, as Bedenbaugh noted, “We’ve really outgrown that kitchen.” The need for a larger, modern kitchen has prompted the agency to raise funds for a brand-new facility.

Feeding Souls, One Meal at a Time

Here’s why this initiative matters: many seniors face food insecurity, unable to afford nutritious meals daily. “This does at least get them one good meal a day,” shares Bedenbaugh, emphasizing the program’s profound impact. Along with meals, the volunteers also check in on seniors, ensuring their wellbeing. It’s not just about food; it’s about connection and care.

Each meal, supervised by a registered dietitian, is designed to meet one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The balanced meals usually include a meat option along with two vegetables, bread, dessert, and a beverage, ensuring dietary needs are met while providing seniors with the comfort they deserve.

A Look Back in Time

It’s interesting to note that when the agency first commenced its operations, it relied on an external provider for meals. It wasn’t until 1984 that they revealed their own kitchen in the renovated Senior Center, setting a precedent in the state. Since then, the demand has surged from 250 meals a day to the current count of 850. This kind of growth is both inspiring and a testament to the community’s support.

The Need for Growth

During the pandemic in 2020, the agency saw an uptick in service requests as many seniors faced isolation. Bedenbaugh recalls, “We probably went up from 750 to 950 meals daily.” Although that number has decreased slightly since, the demand continues to highlight the need for expansion—a change Bedenbaugh believes will significantly improve their service.

The plans for the new kitchen began in September 2022 with collaboration from Davis & Floyd Inc. But what exactly will the new kitchen entail? It’s set to be twice the size of the current facility, allowing for more storage and better meal preparation capabilities. Bedenbaugh envisions that with this upgrade, the PAA could ultimately serve between 1,500 to 2,000 meals a day!

Funding the Project

However, there’s still one significant hurdle—the funds. Bedenbaugh estimates that the project could cost over $2 million, a sizeable but manageable goal, as the agency is currently debt-free. “We have no debt, so that’s a great way to go in,” she mentions proudly. Once construction begins, the existing kitchen building will be sold to contribute toward the project’s costs, ensuring every penny counts.

How You Can Help

For those interested in making a difference, donations toward the new kitchen are welcome. Simply visit their website and indicate “New Kitchen” in the memo line of your contribution.

The PAA isn’t just about meals; they also offer transportation, educational, and recreational programs designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors. As they gear up to meet and exceed the increasing demands, every bit of support truly helps.

So, while the weather may be a bit cloudy today, the hearts in Greenwood County are shining brightly with hope for the future. Let’s rally round this wonderful cause and help keep the spirit of community alive.