Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth is celebrating a major milestone in 2026: 50 years of delivering nutritious meals, daily wellness checks and compassionate connection to homebound seniors and disabled adults in the Cape Region.

While reviewing bylaws and articles of incorporation, staff confirmed the local organization was officially incorporated in 1976, as the first Meals on Wheels program in the state of Delaware. 

“Discovering that this is our 50th year was such a meaningful moment,” said Chris Strong, executive director of Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth. “It gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect on just how many lives have been touched by this organization over the last five decades. What began as a community response to a local need has grown into a daily lifeline for hundreds of homebound neighbors. This anniversary is not just about our history – it is about honoring every volunteer, donor, staff member, board member and community partner who helped carry this mission forward.”

According to the organization’s history, it delivered 16,609 meals to homebound individuals in its first year. By the end of the 1970s, annual meal distribution had grown to more than 20,000 meals across Lewes and Rehoboth. Today, the organization delivers more than 95,000 meals each year and serves more than 300 homebound clients throughout the Lewes and Rehoboth areas.

To mark the occasion, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth has introduced a special 50th anniversary logo and will incorporate the celebration throughout the year, including at its two signature fall fundraising events: Top Chef of the Culinary Coast and the Annual Harry Derrickson Golf Tournament. 

“Fifty years of service is an extraordinary achievement, and it belongs to the entire community,” said Clay Serman, board of directors president. “Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth exists because people here continue to show up for one another. Our volunteers deliver more than meals – they deliver friendship, safety, dignity, and reassurance. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are also looking ahead to the next 50 years of meeting the needs of our neighbors.”