Summerville Meals on Wheels facing funding shortage

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – With a 14.8% increase in clients since last year, Meals on Wheels of Summerville is dealing with funding shortages.

The organization provides nutritious meals and companionship to homebound seniors in the Summerville area. They are now considering reducing delivery to keep up with demand and a lack of funding.

With more than 200 volunteers, each delivering six meals a week across 22 routes every week of the year, they need over $245,700 annually in food costs alone. The organization expects that figure to rise as demand grows.

“While Meals on Wheels of Summerville does not qualify clients by age or income, many are seniors. The number of seniors seeking assistance has been steadily increasing since 2018, a trend expected to continue as the state’s senior population is projected to exceed 1.5 million by 2030, according to the South Carolina Department on Aging,” the nonprofit said.

The organization does not receive funding from the government and relies on community grants, volunteers, and donations to help support its mission.

“We’re seeing higher costs, more people in need, and fewer grants available,” said Crystal Bovell, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Summerville. “Rising costs have strained our ability to meet the growing demand, and many clients rely on us because they lack family support, have limited mobility, cannot cook for themselves, or afford food. Our volunteers often provide the only human contact these people have, which is crucial for their well-being. We need the community’s support more than ever to continue providing these essential services.”

In addition to meal delivery, the nonprofit also offers breakfast bags with nonperishable items and AniMeals, which ensures client pets receive the nutrition they need.

For more information on how to support Meals on Wheels of Summerville, please visit mealsonwheelsofsummerville.org or call 843.873.8224.