Mar 16 2026 17:01
Food for Thought 02/2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 16th, in observance of Presidents' Day. 

Meals for Monday will be delivered with the Friday/Weekend meals on February 13th.

There will be no Grocery Orders taken on Monday, February 16th. 

Regular meal delivery and grocery orders will resume on Tuesday, February 17th. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 From the Executive Director’s Desk:

Connection Matters

 
 
 

Winter in Erie has a way of reminding us just how powerful the cold can be. For many of us, it means layering up, warming the car, and grumbling our way through another snowy morning. But for homebound seniors and veterans, a cold snap can feel isolating—and even a little scary.

 

That’s why something as simple as a quick check-in can mean everything. A phone call. A knock at the door. A friendly face delivering a nutritious meal. These moments of connection remind our neighbors that they are not alone and that someone is looking out for them.

 

At Meals on Wheels Erie, this mission is only possible because of an incredible community rallying together. I am deeply grateful to our donors who made our 2025 Annual Appeal such a success, raising nearly $36,000 to support seniors and veterans across Erie County. Your generosity ensures that nutritious meals—and compassion—continue to reach those who need them most.

 

I am equally thankful for our volunteers, who brave snow, ice, and bitter winds day after day to deliver more than just food. You deliver reassurance, kindness, and hope. In the heart of winter, that matters more than words can express.

 

As we move through February, I encourage everyone to take a moment to check in on a neighbor, friend, or loved one who may be homebound. Sometimes, the smallest gesture makes the biggest difference.

 

Warmly,
Jennifer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Annual Blizzard Bag Deliveries Complete!

 

A Lake Effect Snow Warning couldn't stop us on January 14th! The UHaul was full as we picked up over 200 Blizzard Bags from Second Harvest Food Bank to continue stuffing at the office.

 

More than a dozen volunteers unloaded the truck, stuffed bags with food drive goods, and sorted them into routes for delivery. They sure made quick and efficient work out of a storeroom full of nonperishables! 

 

All bags were delivered over the weekend and following week to the delight of our recipients. 

 

Thank you to all who helped, either with donations, stuffing, or delivery. 

See you next year! 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Erie Women's Fund: Furchak Ferko Grant Award for the Women's Nutritional Network
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The Erie Women’s Fund was pleased to award $30,000 through the Furchak Ferko Grant to Meals On Wheels Erie in support of the Women’s Nutritional Network. Jennifer and Kathleen were thrilled to accept this grant and celebrate at the EWF Annual Reception at the Lake Shore Country Club.

 

 

 

Through this initiative, Meals on Wheels Erie will deliver nutritious meals directly to women’s homes at no cost, along with compassionate check-ins that reduce isolation and reinforce a sense of dignity and care. By creating a consistent network of nourishment and connection, the program empowers women to maintain stability and independence. We are incredibly grateful to the Erie Women's Fund for sharing in our vision!

 

 

 

The Erie Women’s Fund is proud to empower women and families through meaningful giving and grantmaking. Through initiatives like the Furchak Ferko Grant, they are helping to create lasting change—strengthening our community and providing opportunities for support and success.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New Faces, Same Big Hearts!

 

Many new faces have joined our Volunteer Team —

and we’re so happy to have YOU with us!

 

Each new volunteer brings fresh energy, caring spirit, and a shared commitment to helping our homebound neighbors stay nourished and connected.

 

Welcome to the Meals on Wheels Erie family — we’re so glad you’re here!

Laurie P - meal delivery

Laurie D - meal delivery

Rick K - meal delivery

Jim S - meal delivery

Lawrence & Bobby - meal delivery

David S - meal delivery

Pat C - meal delivery

Mark M - meal delivery

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIG FOOD DAY IS COMING YOUR WAY!! 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday Drivers - February 13th is your day!

Our offices and kitchen will be closed on Monday, February 16th for the Presidents' Day Holiday, which means no deliveries.

Meals for Monday will be delivered with the Friday/Weekend meals on Friday, February 13th. 

Regular meal deliveries [and grocery orders] will resume on Tuesday, February 17th. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR CHEERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

 

You might be amazed at how much good you can do with just 1-2 hours a week…whether you’re interested in driving a meal delivery route, making friendly phone calls, or grocery shopping for individual clients, we’d love to have you!

 

For more information about volunteering, please call us at 814-452-6930 or email: kathleen@mealsonwheelserie.org

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We are always grateful for your support.

Your gift helps us continue our work in the following ways:

 

🍽️ Meals, 📞 Friendship, 🛒 Groceries, ❄️ Blizzard Bags

 

Your support makes it happen. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A laptop with an envelope on the screen.

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