Coal Creek Meals on Wheels – Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Basic Services

While Meals on Wheels is normally associated with feeding low-income seniors, the Coal Creek program helps all in need. In 2023, operators proved their mettle in the face of inflation and rising need throughout the year, serving 51% more meals than the prior year.

The Coal Creek Meals on Wheels has served the communities of Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, and Superior since 1972, providing meals and social contact Monday through Friday, plus frozen meals for the weekends, to area residents in need — regardless of age.

In 2023, the need rose immensely, with the Coal Creek Meals on Wheels leadership responding without missing a beat. Inflation and the end of pandemic-era benefits is believed to have created more need, resulting in extra meals served throughout the year.

Despite this perfect storm, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels continued serving anyone in need of a nutritious meal, and never turned anyone away.  They served 61,287 meals to 443 clients compared to 40,460 meals to 338 clients in 2022. 

Under the guidance of Nate Broeckert, executive director, and Brittany Vital, directory of philanthropy, the program has expanded. Along with their main programs (Meal Delivery Program, Coal Creek Café, Project Homecoming, and Plates for Pets), CCMOW launched a Grab and Go Meal Program at the Lafayette Public Library and a Kids Summer Meals Program in 2023 to expand their reach. They also launched a Buddy Program to address isolation for homebound clients.

View the 2024 – Community Builder Awards honorees.

View the 2024 Giving Guide.

on Facebook on LinkedIn