Mayor rides along to deliver Meals On Wheels

WASILLA — Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry Devilbiss took time March 27 to ride along with driver Beth Baylea on her weekday Meals On Wheels delivery route.

Baylea and three other WASI drivers travel more than 300 miles a day to deliver freshly prepared meals to homebound seniors in the Valley.

In 2013, WASI prepared and delivered 34,398 weekday meals. With the rapid increase in Valley population, the projected number of meals needed in 2014 is 59,000, a two-thirds increase. Additional funding is a major issue, according to senior center staff and clients who depend on the program.

The program is supported by grants from the state, the “Mayor for Meals” participation of the local municipalities, in-kind donations and such annual events as the Miles for Meals Fun Run in July. In 2013, 160 participants ran, walked and rolled to complete the course.