By Christy Snow
Contributing Writer
In Pleasant Hill, Meals on Wheels is much more than a food delivery service – it is a daily lifeline powered by volunteers, community support, and a deep commitment to caring for neighbors.
The Pleasant Hill Meals on Wheels program is locally operated by a six-member board under the supervision of the Lay Clergy. Board members don’t just oversee operations; most of them also pitch in with day-to-day tasks to keep the program running smoothly.
The program serves residents who are age 65 and older or who are disabled and unable to prepare their own meals. Each meal costs recipients $4, though that amount covers only a portion of the actual expense. Donations make up the difference, ensuring the program remains accessible to those who need it most.
“We need donations to keep doing what we are doing,” said Board President Jackie Kimrey.
Donations That Make a Difference
Donations come in many forms. While monetary contributions are the most critical – allowing the organization to purchase supplies and food – Meals on Wheels also receives donated items, including food. Wild game is another valued donation, and the organization welcomes more of it.
Local support plays a significant role in sustaining the program. Several Beta Sigma Phi sororities in the area regularly support Meals on Wheels, and community members often designate the organization for memorial or funeral donations.
“We have people come back and give us donations because they appreciate how we took care of their loved ones,” said cook Joyce Ruehter.
A major grant from Turman Heartland has also helped the organization weather difficult times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels was losing approximately $1,000 a month. Those “rainy day” funds ultimately kept the program afloat.
Most food is purchased from distributors, with additional support from Price Chopper, which donates day-old bread. The First Christian Church further supports the mission by providing kitchen space and utilities at no cost.
Serving Meals and Connection
Currently, Meals on Wheels serves about 30 people each day. On special bingo and game days, that number increases to around 53 meals served. These events are held at the First Christian Church on Thursday and are supported by a city grant that funds bingo prizes. City employee, Dharma Gilsdorf, volunteers her time each week to call the bingo games.
Beyond nutrition, the program provides something equally important: daily human connection. Volunteers delivering meals check in with recipients, and if someone does not answer the door or appears unusually confused, volunteers reach out to the designated emergency contact on file.
Powered by Volunteers
The program depends heavily on its volunteers. About 45 people currently volunteer with Meals on Wheels, including 15 regular drivers, eight kitchen helpers, and approximately 20 substitute drivers who step in when needed.
“We are a very caring, giving organization, and we love doing what we do,” Kimrey said.
Mike Marcella has made Meals on Wheels part of his daily routine. The Independence resident delivers meals in Independence two days a week, Raytown one day, and Pleasant Hill on Mondays. On Fridays, he fills in wherever help is needed. In addition to driving routes, Marcella also serves on the Meals on Wheels board in Independence.
Marcella first got involved after retiring during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many drivers stepped away from volunteering. He started by helping with deliveries in Raytown, but quickly realized he wanted to do more. “One day wasn’t enough,” Marcella said. “I needed more.”
Now, his visits often go beyond simply delivering a meal. Sometimes he helps fix a refrigerator, adjust a television, or take care of small household tasks for the people he serves. “It’s an awesome program,” Marcella said. “The people are so appreciative. They love seeing you. It’s just the little things that make a huge difference.”
Two paid cooks – Peggy Keithly and Joyce Ruehter – are at the heart of the kitchen operations. The organization is currently seeking a third cook. While the cooks receive a modest salary, all other roles are volunteer-based. Ruehter emphasized how important the volunteers are to making all this happen and said they can always use more.
The cooks begin work at 7 a.m. each day to ensure meals are prepared, packaged, and ready for delivery by 10:30 a.m., with deliveries completed around 11 a.m. The cooks also plan the menus, which are prepared without added salt, and they make sugar-free desserts which are available upon request.
Recipients can choose how many days per week they receive meals, but the schedule must remain consistent week by week. Meals can also be canceled for specific days if recipients are away. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday.
Finding Purpose Through Service
For Ruehter, volunteering with Meals on Wheels became a new sense of purpose after retirement.
“After I retired, I felt lost, like I wasn’t accomplishing anything,” she said.
Ruehter started as a volunteer driver but stepped up when they lost a cook. “Cooking for Meals on Wheels gives me a purpose, and I feel I am providing a home-cooked meal to people who would not get one without our organization.”
She also values the relationships built along the way.
“I really enjoy our volunteers, and I’ve met many people I would not have met outside the kitchen,” Ruehter said.
How to Get Involved
Those interested in receiving meals delivered to their home can call (816) 987-3952 for more information.
Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply checking in on neighbors, Pleasant Hill’s Meals on Wheels program demonstrates how a community can come together – one meal at a time.