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Suffolk Meals on Wheels is making a change that will help them deliver more smiles.

Suffolk Meals on Wheels is changing their name to Meals on Wheels of Suffolk & Isle of Wight. Nothing about their operation is changing, but this branch wants to let folks know that they are not just serving the Suffolk community.

Suffolk Meals on Wheels has served parts of Suffolk, Windsor, Isle of Wight and Smithfield while under the Suffolk name. The hope is that the name change will help folks know that the areas surrounding Suffolk still have the chance to receive meals or volunteer.

“We are changing the name to better reflect the community we serve,” Angelica Yankauskas, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Suffolk & Isle of Wight. “We already serve Isle of Wight and Smithfield, but we want to grow new community support, especially in Isle of Wight.”

Meals on Wheels delivers food to seniors who have experienced physical or financial hardships and face food insecurity. As many seniors also live alone, these meal deliveries also give a personal connection to those they serve, especially during the isolating time of the pandemic.

Home base is still located at Sentara Obici off of Godwin Boulevard in Suffolk, where volunteers will pick up the food for their routes.

Meals on Wheels of Suffolk & Isle of Wight is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations, grants and private payments to keep services going. Meals are $7.50 per day, but those over 60 years of age who cannot pay can call Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia at 757-461-9481 to see if they qualify for financial help.

Due to COVID-19, the organization has not been able to host fundraising efforts as they have in the past. However, as the organization continues to grow in clients, opportunities are available for those who would like to volunteer or businesses to partner, especially in the Isle of Wight area.

“All money raised goes to assisting with meals for seniors with disabilities and our emergency meal plan for short-term assistance,” said Yankauskas. “We are hoping to create some great partnerships with local and national businesses.”

Those interested in volunteering or partnering can visit suffolkmealsonwheels.com or call 757-934-4911 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.