History
Milestones in Our Journey to Serve the Homebound
The idea for a Meals on Wheels program for the State College School District area originated in March 1971 as a Lenten project of the State College Ministerium led by the Rev. Canon James B. Trost of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and The Rev. Peter Mackey of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. The Ministerium worked with members of The Altrusa Club of State College and Church Women United to fund this program.
Our mission continues to focus on fighting senior hunger, promoting independence, and strengthening community connections through reliable meal delivery service.
A task force was quickly assembled to bring the project to life, made up of dedicated community members and faith leaders:
Lillian Husted, Chair
The Rev. Peter Mackey
Dr. Rose Cologne
Ann Cook
Eleanor Eccelston
Louise B. Hamilton
Mary Lou Herlocher
The Rev. Canon James B. Trost
Margaret Yost
Charles Weyandt, attorney, drafted the original bylaws
The original Board of Directors for State College Area Meals on Wheels was formed in 1971 and included community leaders committed to improving senior nutrition and providing essential support to homebound residents:
Eleanor Eccleston, President
Bill Jeffries
Frances Forbes
Adele Haugh
Ken Kulp
Madge Spearly
John Swinton
The Rev. James Trost
Important Milestones in Our History:
August 16, 1971
First meals delivered to 28 clients in the State College area.
June 15-19, 2015
Five-day-per-week delivery service launched. On June 16, 50 clients received weekday meals for the first time.
2022–Present
Michael Brindley becomes Executive Director, continuing the tradition of excellence in nutritious meal delivery to the homebound.
Since our founding, State College Area Meals on Wheels has benefited from decades of leadership by passionate individuals committed to the growth of our volunteer-driven nonprofit meal service.
Executive Directors:
1971-1985 Margaret Yost
1985-1986 Christine Helwig, Interim
1986-1988 Teresa M. Reis, RD
1988-2014 Anna Carol Buffington, RD, LDN
2014-2020 Christine Tyler
2020-2021 Suelynn Shiller
2022-Present Michael Brindley
Meals on Wheels Presidents:
1971-1974 Eleanor Eccleston, R.D.
1974-1975 Lillian Husted
1975-1977 Louise W. Hamilton, R.D.
1977-1978 Ken H. Kulp
1978-1981 H. K. “Hank” Anders
1981-1984 Thurston Reeves
1984-1985 John Swinton
1986-1989 Ethel Quarles
1989 Blair Bice
1989 Adele Haugh
1990-1991 Helene Rayburn
1992-1995 Harold Walton
1996-1997 Helen Schroeder
1998-2000 Glen Haney
2001-2002 Joel Mock
2003-2004 Donn Frazier
2005 Michael Conti
2005-2015 William Haner
2016-2018 Michael Scott
2019-2024 Sharon Ambrose
2025-Present Tim Schoonover
