Fine planning, buying smart and applying a strict budget ensures Meals on Wheels (MOW) Benoni keeps the pots cooking.
Delivering plated and balanced meals to 2 125 registered recipients, the organisation remains true to its motto to ensure that when frailty or poverty denies people the basic privilege of balanced nutrition; they are there, despite rising costs.
Under the guidance and leadership of team leader Lee Lawrence, who joined MOW at the end of 2021, the team hopes to garner more support, which would see an increase in its food distribution capabilities to those in desperate need.
Lawrence hails from an illustrious career within the food and hospitality industry, having run and managed a pub and restaurant in the UK for a decade.
“After a life where I blindly followed in worldly behaviour, I turned to the Word of God and asked him to steer me to where I am needed most,” she said.
“Having also worked at five-star lodges across the country, my journey and field of knowledge finally led me to MOW, where I can assist with not only feeding hungry stomachs but also feeding desperate souls.”
According to Lawrence, with the rise in food and transport costs, she is applying disciplined accounting to ensure they can continue preparing and delivering meals within the R200 per plate per week budget.
“Our meals are free to all registered recipients and, therefore, we rely heavily on meal sponsors and food donations,” she said.
“We find that to maintain dignity and self-respect, some recipients want to give a small financial contribution towards their meals, so they do not feel like handouts.”
Comprising a team of 10 rotational volunteers, MOW further supplies shelters and places of safety with food parcels as availability allows.
MOW is appealing to individuals and businesses to heed their call for meal sponsorships.
Continuous donations are the lifeblood of the organisation to ensure persons in need receive a healthy meal daily.
For more information, contact MOW on 011 849 1811 or Lee Lawrence on 060 609 2071.
Alternatively, email benoni@mealsonwheelsna.org.za or info@mowbenoni.co.za
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