Harford County

45 North Main Street, Suite D
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
410.838.0013
410.879.5814  fax
harford@mowcm.org

W. Allan Robinson, Program Service Supervisor
Jean Geddes, Intake/Administrative Assistant

History of the Harford County Meals on Wheels Program

The Harford County Meals on Wheels Program was organized in September 1974 by the Women's Association of First Presbyterian Church of Bel Air and the Bel Air Jaycees.

Prior to that time, Congress had passed The Older Americans Act, establishing congregate senior centers and "Eating Together" programs that provided meals at those centers.

The program initially had a local kitchen at Chesapeake Center at Harford Community College. The kitchen prepared the food and allowed county volunteers to pack it for clients. Drivers picked up their "hot" boxes and cold igloo containers there. By 1980, meals were being delivered throughout the county.

In 1993, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, of which the Harford County program was and is a part, opened up a Central Service Facility on Haven Street in Baltimore. At that time, all Meals on Wheels local kitchens were consolidated at a Central Kitchen Facility. All meals are now prepared in Baltimore and brought by van to the Harford County packing site, located at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. Volunteers pack the individual meals under the supervision of a paid kitchen manager and assistant.

The Harford County Meals on Wheels Program office coordinates local volunteers and signs up county residents for the home-delivered meals service.

Click here to view a list of current volunteer opportunities.

 

Harford County Special Events & Volunteer Happenings

 VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON 2010

Friday, September 17th was a beautiful day to honor the dedicated volunteers of Meals on Wheels - Harford County.  More than 125 volunteers enjoyed a delicious luncheon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aberdeen (our very own packing site!) and many of our central staff journeyed along on I-95 to say "hello and thank you" to these wonderful volunteers.

 

Allan Robinson, Harford County Program Administrator, awarded Dennis Nonemaker Volunteer of the Year.  Mary Neilson also received a Service Award for 30 years of service to Meals on Wheels.  Congratulations to Mr. Nonemaker and Ms. Neilson. (photo above: 2009 Harford Volunteer of the Year, Kathi Thomas, presents the 2010 Award to Dennis Nonemaker).

 
Throughout the Luncheon, Allen and Jean Geddes presented gift certificates to the volunteers that were donated from local businesses, restaurants and grocery stores.  

 

These wonderful merchants included:  Shoprite (Klien’s), Safeway, Great Clips-Churchville, Aberdeen Iron birds-Aberdeen, Appleebee's/Bel Air, Red Lobster-Bel Air, Einstein’s Bagels-Bel Air, Durango’s Southwestern Grill-Aberdeen, Dave’s Best BBQ-Bel Air, Harloe Corporation (Burger King), McDonalds-Churchville, Mamie's Restaurant-Aberdeen & Olive Tree-Aberdeen.  Thanks to all their merchants for their generosity

 

The food was delicious.  The smiles were contagious and everyone left with a full heart and tummy! 

 

And, finally, a special thanks to Pastor Neale and the staff of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for working with us throughout the years and with this annual luncheon event.  We’ll see everyone in 2011.