Meals on Wheels: Serving Hope, One Meal at a Time

This morning on The Morning Cruise, we had the privilege of speaking with Jeremy Vlotman, Western Cape Area Director of Meals on Wheels Community Services, about this remarkable organisation’s legacy, impact, and future plans.  

For over 60 years, Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline for South Africa’s most vulnerable—providing not just meals, but dignity, companionship, and hope.  

A Legacy Born in 1964  

Founded in East London in 1964, Meals on Wheels quickly expanded to Cape Town, where it became a cornerstone of community care. What started as a simple meal delivery service has grown into a holistic support system, ensuring that the elderly, ill, and isolated receive both nourishment and human connection.  

More Than Just a Meal

Jeremy explained how the programme works:  

Dedicated kitchens  prepare nutritious meals daily.  

Hoppers (delivery teams) bring food to beneficiaries’ doors.  

Beyond food, they offer emotional support, safety checks, and referrals to social services.  

One of the most touching aspects? Many recipients say the **human interaction** means just as much as the meal itself.  

Expanding to Meet Growing Needs  

Despite economic challenges, Meals on Wheels is expanding its reach—with plans to serve **George, Mossel Bay, Atlantis, Khayelitsha, and more. They also support HIV-positive patients, ensuring they receive proper nutrition for treatment adherence.  

Final Thoughts 

Meals on Wheels is proof that compassion changes lives. Whether through a warm meal, a friendly chat, or a safety check, this organisation embodies the spirit of Ubuntu.  

Want to help? Contact them at  email sisa@mealsonwheelswc.org.za.  

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." — Let’s keep this legacy of care alive.  

by ida lescure  | June 10, 2025