Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia pushes through heat wave to serve hundreds of clients

The organization serves roughly 300 Bibb and Jones County seniors daily.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While triple digit heat indexes force many to stay inside, staff members at Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia (MOWMIDGA) say extreme temperatures make getting out and doing their jobs all the more important.

“Even though it’s hot outside, it’s very important to make sure each client receives their meal,” said Lashandria Jackson, MOWMIDGA Community Outreach Specialist. “Because like I said, sometimes we’re the only face that they see, and also, that may be the only meal that they have for that day.” 

The organization serves roughly 300 Bibb and Jones County seniors daily. Jackson says seeing her grandmother benefit from Meals on Wheels inspired her to get involved, which she uses for motivation when the going gets tough.

“She had a great experience with Meals on Wheels,” Jackson said. “And I feel like this is my way of giving back as well because I am a giver.”

Taylor Mosley is an Assessor for Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia. Each day, Mosley goes down the list of the 20-30 clients she’ll serve. In extreme conditions, she says this requires little more attention to detail.

“I do try to stay hydrated when I’m out there just to make sure that the clients get their meals,” Mosley said. “We do put bricks in the meals, so they are hot and ready for the client. Or if we have a cold meal for that day, we do have the ice packs to keep the meals cool.” 

Knowing her interactions with clients could be their only of a given day, Mosley says she tries to make each one special.

“Seeing the clients be happy and ready for their meals makes me feel like I’m doing something good for the community,” Mosley said. “And also, for the person to have that one interaction with them is a very good feeling for me.” 

When Meals on Wheels is closed for holidays like the Fourth of July, clients receive a holiday box to ensure they still have food to eat. Jackson says it’s good to know they’re taken care of, but nothing beats a good one-on-one interaction.

“I love being involved with the clients,” Jackson said. “And that’s the part of my job that I love the most.” 

Meals on Wheels is in need of more volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved, give them a call at 478-745-9140 or click here.