Story and Photos By Gary Norman – Mineral Wells Area News
With a sealed, warm meal in hand, Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County board member and volunteer Joel Crawford approached an apartment door, knocked three times, and called out, “Meals on Wheels!”
From inside, the resident invited him in. Joel stepped into the modest space where the man, seated in a wheelchair with his tiny dog—ironically named Killer—on his lap, watched television. After handing over the meal and sharing a bit of small talk, Joel wished them both a good day and continued along his delivery route.
A local contractor and real estate developer, Joel has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for four and a half years. His grandmother once received meals from the program. Today, he serves on the board and runs routes twice a week.
“Food is fifty percent of what we do,” Joel said. “The social aspect is the other fifty percent.” He explained that in addition to tackling food insecurity, the organization helps clients obtain heaters in freezing weather, connects them to social services, and provides a consistent human connection.
According to Meals on Wheels America, there are roughly 5,000 community-based programs nationwide. The statistics are sobering:
One in four Americans is over 60, with 29% living with a disability and 24% living alone. Nearly half of seniors living alone struggle to afford basic needs. Meals on Wheels serves 251 million meals annually. Of the 2.2 million seniors served each year, 77% report improved health, 85% feel more secure, and 92% say it helps them live independently.
Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County is one of those 5,000 programs. With 20.4% of county residents over age 65 and 16.9% living below the poverty line, the local need is clear.
A Veteran and a Volunteer
Executive Director Courtney Lane-Auld began her career as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force, later managing for Starbucks. “I was stressing out over a cup of coffee!” she said. In 2020, she stepped back, had her daughter, and began volunteering with Meals on Wheels. In 2023, she accepted the role of executive director.
Courtney oversees four paid staff members and about 15 administrative volunteers, in addition to roughly 70 route volunteers. They serve about 250 clients—200 receiving daily hot meals, and 50 receiving weekly frozen meals.
“We promote the dignity and independence of elderly and disabled individuals by providing nutritious meals,” Courtney said, quoting the organization’s mission.
Behind the Scenes
The 14 daily hot meal routes and four weekly frozen routes each take about an hour to complete. Volunteers deliver meals rain or shine, skipping only nine designated holidays—when shelf-stable or extra meals are provided ahead of time.
Volunteers come from all corners of the community: civic groups, retirees, families, and businesses. Some serve weekly, others fill in as substitutes.
Hot meals are prepared daily at Palo Pinto General Hospital. A volunteer picks them up and delivers them to the Meals on Wheels facility, where they’re distributed into insulated containers for route delivery between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“We are honored to play a role in this mission by preparing the meals,” said Ross Korkmas, CEO of Palo Pinto General Hospital. “Each Wednesday, our departments take turns delivering, and it’s something our staff truly values.”
Frozen meals come from Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County. A local board member drives to Fort Worth weekly to collect and store the meals for Tuesday–Thursday deliveries.
Expanding Reach
The organization now hosts congregate meals on the fourth Thursday of each month at Boyce Ditto Library. It also reimburses the Mineral Wells Senior Center for meals served on Mondays through Fridays. Staff use these events to educate attendees about the program and its volunteer needs.
While meals follow state nutritional guidelines, local menus are developed with a dietitian. Meals typically include a protein, vegetables, bread, and dessert, providing one-third of daily nutritional needs.
Eligible clients must be 60 or older, or 18–59 with disabilities, and unable to prepare meals with no caregiver available at lunchtime.
Funding the Mission
Funding comes from multiple sources, including Administration for Families and Children Services Texas Health and Human Services, North Central Texas Council of Governments Texas, Department of Agriculture, Palo Pinto County United Way, Meals on Wheels of America, and local donations.
The current cost per meal is $7.54. Public funding covers $6.12 to $6.46 depending on the source. Private donations make up the rest. Self-pay is also available at $150 per month.
A Growing Legacy
Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County began in 1995 in the basement of Nazareth Hospital. It became an independent nonprofit in 2006, moving from the United Way office into its current home—a former gas station with an existing walk-in cooler and ample parking.
“It has grown a lot,” said board member Peggy Harvey. “We used to struggle when we hit 100 clients. At one point, we had to stop taking new ones.”
The biggest challenge today, according to Harvey, is funding. Others cite rising food costs and a constant need for more volunteers.
Federal cuts remain a looming concern. “There are always going to be budget cuts,” said Auld-Lang. “The way we get through that is with local support. If we take care of our own, we don’t have to worry about federal cuts as much.”
Looking Ahead
Future goals include forming a dedicated fundraising committee, holding community-center congregate meals, bridging generational gaps, building a commercial kitchen, diversifying the board, and increasing community fundraising.
Client Voices
One blind client relies entirely on the service for hot meals. A volunteer recently noted the man was in good shape and that his screen door needed repairs.
Julia Price, 96, a lifelong Palo Pinto County resident and the first female deputy sheriff in the county, has used the service for 17 years. Her son helps store the frozen meals for easy access.
“I just ride up to the microwave and pitch one in for 30 seconds,” she said. “I swish them around and doctor them with hot sauce and cream. If it wasn’t available… I can’t even hardly imagine not having it. I couldn’t be independent if it wasn’t for my son and Meals on Wheels.”
To donate, volunteer, or learn more:
Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County
1410 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Phone: (940) 325-7919
Fax: (940) 325-4388