Meals on Wheels Miles for Meals event raises funds to fight food insecurity in Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Meals on Wheels of Syracuse is making strides in combating food insecurity with the help of its second annual “Miles for Meals” indoor cycling and biking event.

Despite the winter weather, volunteers and participants came together to raise funds for the organization, which delivers nutritious meals and conducts wellness checks for vulnerable community members.

Meredith Albert, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, emphasized the importance of the service, saying, “I think it’s crucial. There are a lot of people that have difficulty getting out and about the Meals on Wheels. And it sometimes is their only way to have access to Meals.”

Mary Beth Anderson, the Community Relations Director for Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, highlighted the organization’s impact, noting that last year they delivered 247,791 meals to those in need. On average, the organization serves 930 meals a day, relying on 30 volunteer drivers and 8 to 16 kitchen volunteers.

“So many people don’t have anybody in their life. They don’t have anyone that’s coming to visit them on a regular basis. And our drivers, even if it’s just a five-minute interaction, really helps to help them with isolation and feeling a little bit more like people have seen them,” Anderson said.

Metro Fitness supported the event by providing facilities for bikers and runners. Randy Sabourin, owner of Metro Fitness, said, “Mary Beth actually reached out to me and needed to find a facility. We were just happy to accommodate that. And it’s been a great cause to hitch our wagon to.”

Anderson shared a touching story about her husband’s involvement in the delivery process, recounting a recent visit where he provided extra blankets to a woman in need. “She was, I think, in awe that somebody really cared,” Anderson said.

Andrea Latchem, a volunteer driver, encouraged others to get involved, saying, “I’ve told people before I can feel really cranky when I start out. But by the time you’ve gone around and seen people and they’re so happy to see you and you have to smile, I feel good when I’m done.”

The event also marked the kickoff of “March for Meals,” a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those who are homebound, in poverty, and in need of food. Meals on Wheels raised enough money to provide 562 additional meals for those in need.