Executive director for Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan to retire after 12 Years of dedication and innovation

Linda K. Strohl is stepping down as executive director of Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan.

She took the helm of the organization, then only known as Senior Nutrition Services, in September 2011, in the midst of a challenging national financial crisis.

“Things were touch and go for a while, “she said. “The meals continued to go out every day, but my job was to make sure there was enough money to pay for them. “

Slowly, the organization’s finances strengthened and in 2012, the organization filed for the dba of Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan, greatly increasing the visibility and understanding of its mission to end senior hunger one meal at a time.

Fundraising and administrative efforts were strengthened in the next few years, allowing Strohl to develop new meal options approaches. Choice

Frozen Meals was one such effort, giving seniors the ability to choose the meals they wanted for frozen meals.

“Everyone wants to choose to eat what they like, especially as they age,” said Strohl.

The newest programs added to the legacy programs of congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals are Paws Need Food Too, which helps home-bound seniors keep their beloved companion pets. Produce to Your Door, brings Grade-A produce to seniors’ doors every two weeks. This innovative program increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables every two weeks, improving access to healthy food.

Strohl credits donors and funders such as Area Agency on Aging Regions 4 and 3, Berrien Community Foundation, Heart of Cook, National Association of Nutrition Services Providers, Namaste Foundation, The Pokagon Fund, Upton Foundation, Lost Pond Foundation, United Way and others for their support. Individual donors and partners such as Martin’s and Full Circle Café also lend their inimitable support, without which the organization could not achieve its mission.

And finally, Strohl credits her staff.

“They are all rock stars! They were there, especially when things were difficult during the pandemic, never faltering in supporting ‘their’ seniors every day. I truly could not have accomplished what I did without them,“ she said.

Strohl’s retirement will take place this month. Her successor has been selected and is currently in her onboarding process.

“Linda Tinsley will grow and improve this organization long into the future, I am sure,” said Strohl.

— STAFF REPORTS