When Claudia Biegler and Janet Meyers embarked on their wonderful initiative to help frontline workers at the outbreak of the Pandemic nearly three years ago, they had no idea of the impact they would make.
After organizing 70+ distributions of about 7,500 meals since early March 2020, they agreed it was time to bring Meaningful Meals to a close.
Claudia and Janet noted, “This was truly a labor love. It was fitting that we ended it at this time.”
Their last distribution of more than 100 lunches was made to the staff at the Weinstein JCC on Feb. 2. (See photo above/bottom)
They continued, “We could not think of a better and more ‘meaningful’ place to end our three-year long commitment to feeding our heroes of the pandemic. The Weinstein JCC is very close to our hearts and we were thrilled to bring lunches to the entire staff through our non- profit Meaningful Meals!”
Orly Lewis, CEO of the Weinstein JCC, noted, “The Weinstein JCC would like to give a huge thank you to Meaningful Meals for generously treating 110 JCC staff to lunch on Thursday, February 2nd in appreciation of all that we do here. It was an honor to be their last stop before sunsetting this wonderful initiative, founded by JCC members Claudia Biegler and Janet Meyers, that provided meals to frontline workers during the pandemic. We so appreciate this wonderful gift and recognition.”
Over the course of the three years, the two received numerous individual thank you’s from front workers at hospitals, many other healthcare organizations, schools, non-profits, pharmacies and others. (See photos on the right and below of healthcare workers with their lunches.
They are quick to note that they were by joined many, many others to help launch and spread Meaningful Meals.
Claudia and Janet explained, “Back in March 2020, we never dreamed that our small idea to feed a few workers during the Pandemic would explode into an endowment through Richmond Jewish Foundation. We have also treasured our relationship with Louis Campbell and his entire crew at Garnish Catering who produced and delivered the delicious meals.”
Meaningful Meals also received many financial donations and other assistance from individuals to help in all kinds of ways, many of them from youngsters who stepped up with donations.
“We appreciate everyone for their enthusiastic willingness to help our project. We could not have accomplished so much alone.”
