Meals on Wheels understands the power of a connection. For the seniors we serve, it’s meaningful conversations with the drivers who deliver meals, or teaching them how to stay in touch with loved ones through a mobile tablet device. For our organization and the community at large, connection looks like a partnership that deepens our impact.
In 1937, Meals on Wheels originated as Wesley House when it began providing housing for local seniors. (It was not until 2020 that we became Meals on Wheels.) We expanded in the 1980s as Wesley Community Services to meet growing needs and added a home-delivered meals service. Without yet a kitchen to produce those meals, Wesley cultivated a partnership with Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, who opened their doors to us for use of their commercial kitchen.
Our shared history has since evolved as a partnership anchored in serving others in our community.
Hyde Park Community UMC has helped us drive the Meals on Wheels mission in many ways. Volunteers have helped us assemble snack boxes, prepare meals for distribution, package pet food, create birthday cards for seniors and more. The church has sponsored Meals on Wheels initiatives and has donated space, time and people power for our annual Bust-a-Crust Fundraiser—an event that draws hundreds of community volunteers, many of whom are Hyde Park Community UMC congregants.
Pastor Kate Smith of Hyde Park Community UMC says, “We align on the fundamental belief that a meal is more than just food; it is a vehicle for dignity, social connection and an essential wellness check to combat the isolation and hunger seniors face.”
Meals on Wheels CEO Mike Dunn agrees. “Hyde Park Community UMC has always recognized and embraced the core of our mission. We deliver meals and other essential services that promote seniors’ independence and well-being. All of these services provide an important reminder to seniors: you are not alone.”
For both our organizations, service is fundamental. It is a core pillar we aim to embody at every level of our organizations. Pastor Kate sees an even deeper alignment, pointing to an historical link to the United Methodist tradition of active social service.
“We view serving as faith in action—a tangible expression of love and compassion in the world,” Pastor Kate reflects (she's pictured below, front right!).
.jpg)
Among Hyde Park Community UMC’s many service programs is Super Serve Saturday. On the third Saturday of the month from September to May, congregants work hands-on alongside local partners, including Meals on Wheels, to drive their respective missions.
The church intentionally creates accessible, intergenerational opportunities so that every member can serve in a meaningful way. That’s led to a uniquely intergenerational culture of ministry, as delightfully evidenced by preschoolers, seniors and everyone in between volunteering at Meals on Wheels and helping each year at Bust-a-Crust.
One of Pastor Kate’s favorite community outreach experiences was the 2021 Bust-a-Crust fundraiser. Among the 50 church volunteers was a “pie fairy” cheering everyone on.
“I loved witnessing moments of connection: grandparents serving with grandchildren, parents working alongside their teenagers and small groups taking a break from study to join in,” Pastor Kate reflects. “The depth of this joy in serving is a clear sign that we are living out our faith correctly. It reminds us that when we commit to the holistic care of our neighbors (caring for body, mind and spirit), our collective efforts make a life-changing impact.”
Says Dunn, “Meals on Wheels is so fortunate to have such a close history with Hyde Park Community UMC. Their steadfast support and passion for service helps us to serve our elderly neighbors. We are very, very grateful.”
We are proud to reflect on our decades-long relationship with Hyde Park Community UMC and to honor them with the 2026 “Community Partner” Award at our Meals Madness Gala on March 18!