We are excited to share that Meals on Wheels of Lancaster will be moving into its new home:
1411 Columbia Ave in October 2021.
Opportunities Await
Since we first opened our doors in 1967, the number of meals that we serve daily is ever-increasing and, as a result, we have outgrown our current location. This new facility will be equipped with larger kitchens, offices, and a small event space where we can engage the community further—not to mention a larger parking lot for all the volunteers and visitors who extend support to the work that we do.
What Took SO Long?
We purchased the building in 2018 and are very excited that 2021 is the year in which we move to our new home. The first couple of years were spent planning and designing the space. We have TWO kitchens: one for cooking and one for packing. We have a small event space where we can host our volunteer orientations. The facility is designed to increase our capacity to serve more meals and develop more and effective programs.
In December 2019, we finally broke ground and began the construction & renovations process. Shortly after 2019 came to a close, we were hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all experienced, this pandemic impacted our community in many challenging ways. We are fortunate that we were able to overcome those challenges with the help of supporters like you!
This transition has been long in the making. We cannot wait to see what awaits us in 2022 and beyond.
How Can You Help?
If you are new to volunteering at Meals on Wheels of Lancaster, please take a look at our available opportunities and sign-up here.
This is an excellent way to support our program if you are unable to volunteer at this time. Your gifts are deeply appreciated!
Send words of encouragement to staff! We are working so diligently to make magic happen. Sometimes a few thoughtful words of appreciation can go a long way. We keep all the notes and cards that we receive because they keep us motivated!
Spread the word! Share the good news with clients, friends and family. Send some words of encouragement to staff as they navigate this big transition!
What Does This Mean for Clients & Volunteers?
Thank you for your patience with staff as we operate new equipment and navigate new floorplans.
Clients: The vision of this new location was designed with you in mind. We are beyond grateful to you that you have selected us as your home-delivered meals provider. It is our hope that you will experience little impact from this upcoming transition aside from receiving better food! Our menus, delivery times, contact information & hours of operations will remain the same throughout the duration of this transition:
Phone: 717-392-4842
Email: info@LancasterMOW.org
It would be most helpful to the team if you could communicate, in advance, about any changes that you request to your services, standing orders, dietary needs, delivery instructions, etc. We strive to maintain the same delivery procedure and menu items which you are familiar. We do not anticipate making any major changes to the programs and services that we offer.
Volunteers: Mark your calendars! We look forward to our first date of operations at Columbia Ave on Monday, October 4th, 2021. We strive to maintain a similar parking lot pick-up procedure and volunteer shifts with which you are familiar. Though, there may be minor changes made to your delivery routes to accommodate more efficient traffic patterns. The biggest impact will be felt by the kitchen volunteers who are working alongside staff in a new facility, new floor plan, and with new equipment!
We will be offering walk-through tours of the facility and will be offering more information about these opportunities via email– so please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date.
Doug & Hayley will remain as your steadfast coordinators. The process for scheduling volunteer shifts will not change. Please, communicate with Doug & Hayley in advance about your availability so that they may plan accordingly:
volunteer@LancasterMOW.org
As usual, we encourage you to visit our “Help Wanted” page for information about our most immediate volunteer needs.
I Would Like to Know More!
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Do you have a partnership opportunity in mind? Are you interested in our event space? Perhaps you’re simply curious to see the facility. Please reach out:
Monday – Friday 8 AM to 4 PM
Email: info@LancasterMOW.org
Phone: 717-392-4842
OR, better yet, visit us after October 4th:
1411 Columbia Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
