Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona is an organization that has had a real influence and has a commendable mission. I had the opportunity to sit down with Tomas Smith, the director of process improvements at Mobile Meals. I learned about the purpose, impact, and future direction the organization wants to take.
Founded in 1968, MMSA focuses on offering affordable meal options to anyone who needs them, primarily serving senior citizens. They aim to reduce food insecurity in our community by providing high-quality, enjoyable meals. However, the organization doesn’t just deliver meals; they help their clients feel less lonely, building a personal connection with each individual they serve.
Smith shared warm stories of his experience being a delivery person for Mobile Meals before taking his current position. He shares, “Sometimes, we are the only person that the client gets to meet for the entire day, so some of our delivery people schedule their path so that they can have conversations for up to an hour.”
Meals are prepared fresh every day at the MMSA kitchen, which opened in July 2023. Each month has a unique menu suited to the needs of clients. For example, in April there were two options each day Monday through Friday: heat to serve and ready to eat. 77% of the clients use Mobile Meals as their primary source of sustenance, showing just how delicious, affordable, and useful these meals are.
A dietitian at Mobile Meals checks every menu option to make sure that clients with health issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol are getting meals that are the right fit and have the required restrictions.
The 185 volunteers and four chefs who help prepare the meals work in a well-structured manner, producing around 400 meals per day and ensuring that each meal is delivered to the right person.
As for the future, Smith expressed that the organization is in its planning stage of getting meals into daycares, summer programs, and schools, where many children don’t have enough food for dinner. He expressed that this plan is still in its early stages, but he has remained optimistic about its potential to make a lasting impact on the community.
To learn more about the organization or to find out how you can support their mission, visit the website and consider joining their newsletter if you want future updates! www.mobilemealssoaz.org
