Meals on Wheels of Summerville Marks Milestone Year in 2024, Looks Ahead to Sustainability and Growth in 2025

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — Meals on Wheels of Summerville continues to be a critical resource for the area’s most vulnerable residents, addressing food insecurity and social isolation as demand for services grows. In 2024, the nonprofit served more than 250 clients while navigating rising food costs and inflation.

With the support of a dedicated board, staff, and a network of more than 250 volunteers, Meals on Wheels of Summerville delivered over 1,200 meals weekly across 20 routes, totaling more than 70,402 meals in 2024. However, food costs have inflated by 31%, exceeding $164,558, and the organization faces tough decisions to ensure sustainability without compromising its mission of delivering nourishment and companionship to those in need

“The heartbeat of Meals on Wheels of Summerville is the unwavering generosity and compassion of our volunteers and supporters,” said Crystal Bovell, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Summerville. “Our volunteers don’t just deliver meals—they build relationships, provide companionship, and check in to ensure our clients feel cared for and connected. Together, we are not just feeding people but fostering hope, human connection, and dignity in our community.”

Meals on Wheels of Summerville celebrated key milestones in 2024:

• Inaugural Dink & Deliver Pickleball Tournament: This 2-day event raised $28,000 to support operational costs and growth.
• Mother’s Day Brunch: The organization introduced its endowment for long-term sustainability, each $100 raised provides one meal each year into perpetuity.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Meals on Wheels of Summerville is focusing on strategic goals for the coming year, including growing its endowment to ensure sustainable operations while prioritizing critical services. Rising costs and increased demand have required the organization to make tough decisions, including scaling back non-essential spending, but the commitment to delivering not just meals but also personal connections and check-ins remains a priority.

The 2nd Annual Dink and Deliver Pickleball Tournament will be held April 12-13, 2025, at The Pickle Bar, 162 Cherry Street, Summerville, S.C. Open to players of all skill levels, the event features Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories. Registration fees are $50 per individual per event. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for gold, silver, or bronze medals, enter a raffle basket drawing, and more. Sponsorships are available, and proceeds will directly support Meals on Wheels of Summerville’s mission. Visit mowsummerville.org/registration for more information.

The 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, with seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Summerville Country Club – Pavilion, 400 Country Club Blvd., Summerville, S.C. Guests will enjoy a gourmet buffet, two complimentary Bloody Marys or Mimosas, and live music by DJ Wendell Nolan. Speaker opportunities will also be part of the event. Tickets are $50 for adults and $20 for children, with sponsorships available. Visit mowsummerville.org/mothersday for details and RSVP information.

Meals on Wheels of Summerville does not qualify clients by age or income, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. With the senior population in South Carolina projected to exceed 1.5 million by 2030, the demand for services is expected to continue growing.

Community support is essential. Donations help provide nourishing meals, meaningful visits, and programs to combat hunger and isolation—all without relying on government funding. To contribute, visit mowsummerville.org/donate.

For more information on how to support Meals on Wheels of Summerville, please visit mealsonwheelsofsummerville.org or call 843.873.8224.

ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS OF SUMMERVILLE
Founded in 1982, Meals on Wheels of Summerville stands as a beacon of support for the Summerville community, addressing issues of hunger and isolation. The organization’s mission is to provide nourishing meals and compassionate companionship to individuals facing limited mobility or isolation. Operating in the Summerville area and receiving no government funding, Meals on Wheels of Summerville is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Beyond meal delivery, the organization runs specialized programs, such as AniMeals, ensuring that both the nutritional needs of individuals and their beloved pets are met. For more information, visit mowsummerville.org or call 843.873.8224.

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