Austin-Bailey Foundation Awards Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

The trustees of the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation have approved a grant of $15,365 to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, to purchase a new stackable oven for our commercial commissary.

We began the grant writing process last fall and submitted our proposal in early December. The foundation's board met earlier this month to review proposals. Nineteen nonprofit organizations received grants in this cycle.

"We greatly appreciate the foundation's support," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "They have been a generous partner over the years.

"We don't use fryers, broilers, grills, stove tops or microwave ovens in our food preparation," said Terri. "We utilize only ovens and kettles to ensure the utmost in quality and nutritional integrity. Our previous stackable oven was 13 years old and needed regular repairs, so replacing it will make us more efficient and even more productive."

The Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation, based in Massillon, supports programs that promote the physical and mental well-being of individuals in Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

Area Foundations Show Their Support

Recently Meals On Wheels of Stark and Wayne Counties received three sizeable grants that, when combined, cover the cost of a new commercial dishwasher for the agency.

We were pleased to receive grants of $20,000 from the Austin-Bailey Health & Wellness Foundation of Canton, $15,000 from the Dominion Foundation of Cleveland, and $10,000 from The Timken Foundation of Canton. The $45,000 total will cover the cost of the dishwasher, which will be ordered this summer and operational by fall.

Our commissary staff prepares as many as 2,000 meals each weekday. Those meals are driven by truck to our 20 locations. From there, volunteers deliver meals to our clients via 64 different routes, while other meals are served to seniors who participate in our congregate dining programs at 14 of the locations.

Our current dishwasher is 12 years old, two years older than its 10-year recommended life span. So it was time to purchase a new one. With the current status of the economy, we did not have the funds for such an expenditure. That is why we are grateful for the support of the Austin-Bailey, Dominion and Timken foundations. Their assistance will literally enable us to remain open and operational, and to continue our vital work in the community.