Food is sustenance and nourishment for the body, mind and soul. That makes the volunteers, staff members and administrators of Meals on Wheels of Lancaster purveyors of empathy and angels of mercy.

Meals on Wheels of Lancaster's mission of providing food to people in need is as important now as it's ever been.

"I don't know if we necessarily understand the full value of food," said Feleen Nancarvis, who's been the organization's executive director for four years. "I don't think we know how similar we are to the people we serve and how close we are to being in their circumstances. We're all just as likely as the next to need additional support. There are times we need other people in our community to lean on. We all have to take care of each other, and we all have to take care of ourselves."

Meals on Wheels operates two commercial kitchens at its 1411 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, location. From there, with the help of caring volunteers and dedicated staff members, the organization distributes and delivers 900 meals to 450 clients residing mostly in the city and New Holland.

Meals on Wheels of Lancaster is the largest of the six Meals on Wheels organizations currently operating in Lancaster County.

"Food is fuel," said Nancarvis. "Your nutrition has impact on your physical health and your mental health. Food also serves as a sense of connection. We're bringing them food, but we're also checking on their safety and wellness. Nutrition is vital, but there's also this social piece as well."

Meals on Wheels prepares meals in its kitchens on Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and sends them out in two shifts. Each client receives two meals - a hot meal consisting of an entree, a starch, a vegetable and a dessert - and a bagged lunch, which includes a sandwich or salad, along with fruit, juice and milk.

"Each day is an adventure here," said Nancarvis. "There's a lot going on. We've got to get meals out the doors on time. It's been a wild ride, especially the last couple of years. It's a fun puzzle, but we enjoy it. Once you put all the pieces together, it's very eye-opening."

It takes the collaborative efforts of 70 daily volunteers - 25 in the kitchen and 45 delivery drivers - to get the meals to their destinations. Meals on Wheels owns and operates three cargo vans, but much of the delivery is performed by the volunteers in their own vehicles.

"Many people see it as a donation of time and gas money," said Nancarvis. "Without the community rallying around our cause and mission, we wouldn't be able to meet the needs of our clients. It's good food. There's no shame in having good food delivered to your home."

Many of the organization's clients fall into three general categories: seniors or residents with disabilities; individuals who need meals temporarily or for short-term reasons; and caregivers. Some meals are provided to clients through care organizations or at reduced costs based on their abilities to pay.

"Food insecurity is often a symptom of other issues," said Nancarvis. "They might be people with limited mobility, or maybe they can't drive. They might not be able to lift groceries. We're here for them."

Meals on Wheels of Lancaster was formed in 1967 through the collaboration of a number of local service organizations. Prior to the pandemic, the organization was serving 260 local residents.

For additional information, go to http://www.mealsonwheelsoflancaster.org.