York County Meals on Wheels surpasses 50 years of service to the community under leadership of local veteran

YORK COUNTY – Since 1973, York County Meals on Wheels (MOW) has delivered hundreds of thousands of hot meals to local seniors. The organization continues to thrive today under the leadership of Jim McReynolds, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who has volunteered with MOW since 2000. 

“Meals on Wheels helps seniors to remain independent members of society, maintain their health, manage their own affairs and live their lives with dignity,” a statement on the York County MOW website says. “For family members living outside the local area, the program gives them peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are being fed and checked on.”

McReynolds’ journey began with MOW at the same time he was retiring from the Air Force. Wanting to give back to the community, he answered an ad for the York County program in the local paper, thinking he was applying to be a delivery driver.

However, after a brief initial interview, McReynolds was offered the role of Treasurer, which he held from 2000-2019.  

In early 2019, he stepped into the role of Chairman of the Board after his next-door neighbor volunteered to take over the organization’s treasury duties. 

“It’s a neighborhood kind of organization,” McReynolds told The Triangle. 

In addition to his work with MOW, McReynolds helps organize the annual Service Academy Day in Hampton Roads and serves as Membership Chair for the U.S. Airforce Academy Way of Life alumni group, a 501(c)(3) organization. 

York County’s Meals on Wheels program operates Monday through Friday, bringing hot lunches to approximately 35 to 40 seniors each day. Volunteers pick up the meals from the Peninsula Agency on Aging center.

No senior is turned away due to inability to pay. Around 50% of local seniors pay nothing for this service, while others are asked to contribute a nominal amount to help sustain the program.

“If qualified yet financially unable to pay, no one initially is refused service,” the program’s website states. “Other recipients are asked to contribute to the cost of the meal to keep this volunteer program solvent.”

In terms of funding, York County MOW does not receive any money from the state or the federal government and is only provided limited funding from the county. The organization relies primarily on donations from local residents and businesses.

“We don’t receive any funds from state or federal,” McReynolds said. “Our funds mainly come from donations, whether it be individuals, churches or businesses.

Each meal costs the program $5.90, but seniors who contribute are only asked to pay $3 – leaving a $2.90 gap per meal that is covered by donations.

“So, we’re losing, on every meal, $2.90 roughly,” McReynolds said. “But again, we’re blessed that we have a lot of folks in the county that contribute and donate so that we can subsidize the meal cost.”

Those in York County interested in receiving meals for themselves or a family member can request services by contacting the program at 757-772-0505.

After calling, a representative will stop by for a home visit to determine if the senior meets the program’s criteria. 

The organization seeks to assist seniors that live alone and are not able to cook for themselves– whether that is long-term or short-term, such as post-surgery.

“We’re looking for the folks that don’t have anyone at home, or they can’t or aren’t able to cook, or they’re not able to even go out and shop to cook,” McReynolds said. “A lot of them maybe don’t have a vehicle.”

Residents of Williamsburg and James City County can also access services through Greater Williamsburg Meals on Wheels. Meals can be requested from the organization by calling 757-229-9250. 

Both organizations are affiliated with Meals on Wheels America – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit network – and welcome donations and volunteers year-round. 

For the York County program, in particular, McReynolds is asking for people, especially younger volunteers that can step into volunteer and delivery roles.

“Most of us are already retired and not working, so we’re always hunting for drivers or somebody to be on the board– younger folks,” McReynolds said.

Although he hopes to stay involved for years to come, McReynolds stresses that the future of this program depends on the next generation getting involved.

For more information or to find out if you qualify, visit the York County or Greater Williamsburg Meals on Wheels websites.