2011 SCORE Award - Oustanding Socially-Progressive Small Business 

Hunger, in a country as prosperous and resourceful as the United States, seems unthinkable, yet sadly there are astoundingly six million seniors in America everyday who are hungry or at risk of hunger. South Carolina, is second in this category for seniors, and is highest in the nation for poverty among African-Americans over age 60. Undaunted and rising to the challenge since 1985, is the community based organization, East Cooper Meals on Wheels. Through its many volunteers, the non-profit combats hunger as it provides healthy daily nutrition for homebound seniors.

Working with their hands and giving with their hearts, the tireless efforts of the East Cooper Meals on Wheels team extends beyond the poor and elderly to include anyone of any age who is homebound and unable to independently provide for themselves.  While 75% of the recipients live at, or below the poverty line, East Cooper Meals on Wheels has never reverted to a waiting list.  Within 24 hours of a call for assistance, their screening team investigates and processes the need, servicing the nutritional necessities of the community, and at absolutely no charge.

One of those volunteers is retired teacher, Patricia Walker, who decided to join East Cooper Meals on Wheels, as a way of continuing her desire to help make a difference in the lives of people in her community. Patricia’s journey with Meals on Wheels began as a volunteer, and throughout her Meals on Wheels career, served as the director of operations, executive director, and is currently President. SCORE mentor and Chapter Chair Ram Dachepalli, also holds a spot on the East Cooper Meals on Wheels board of directors, and has provided  financial education, small-business management practices and access to the tools and resources for a growing community organization.

www.ecmow.org