In a bid to strengthen community ties and address nutritional needs, the Lafayette Public Library has become a distribution location for ready-to-eat meals from Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW). Located at 775 W Baseline Road, the library is now providing pre-packaged, hot meals and snack bags to the public Monday-Friday, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (while supplies last). A volunteer from Coal Creek Meals on Wheels will be present to distribute the meals and answer questions. The meals are distributed to anyone in need without requiring any documentation or information collection.
This effort is designed to provide support to people in the community, regardless of their age or income. According to the City of Lafayette, “by participating in this program, the City is not only promoting a feeling of togetherness but also actively contributing to the overall health and welfare of its residents.”
This partnership fits perfectly into the work of Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, whose mission is to support independence and quality of life for Lafayette, Louisville, Erie & Superior residents by providing nutritious meals and social contact. “Providing meals at the library offers a central location that is easily accessible through public transportation, making our meals more accessible for those who don't have a permanent address for meal deliveries, have transportation barriers that prevent them from accessing our Coal Creek Café, or who may not feel comfortable accessing our services in a formal way,” said Lark Rambo, CCMOW Executive Director.
Melissa Hisel, Lafayette Public Library Director, shared that the partnership is a way for the library to further their work. “The public library is a hub for community, and this is just another way for us to deliver on our mission to connect people and resources,” Hisel said. “Providing free meals in a place central to the Lafayette Community is helping to eliminate barriers to accessing nutritious meals for some of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. We’ve seen library visitors of all ages benefit from the convenience of the new free meal service, and we are grateful to CCMOW for the opportunity to build community through this collaboration.”
Since October 2023, the program has distributed over 1,000 meals to Lafayette residents, working to address hunger and food insecurity in the community. Those interested in learning more about Coal Creek Meals on Wheels and their programs can visit www.coalcreekmow.org. Community members who are interested in supporting the program can get involved by volunteering or donating to support the cost of providing meals.