Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide home delivered nutritious meals and the comfort of friendship to home-bound senior and disabled residents in Salem County. Our vision is to be the community leader & provider ending senior hunger in Salem County. We are located at 457 Shirley Road in Elmer, NJ.
Board of Trustees
Meals on Wheels is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees comprised of local community leaders. These leaders include:
- Chairperson – Staci Dempsey – Dempsey, Weiss & Associates
- Co-Chair – Chelsea Haines– Inspira Medical Center
- Treasurer – Helen Townsend – Fulton Bank of New Jersey
- Secretary – Laura Bider – TD Bank
- Lindsay Harmon – TD Bank
- Dr. Makeesa Johnson – Elderly HealthCare Consulting
- Elaine Dunner – Board member
Staff Members
- Meghan Rush – Executive Director – Email
- Teresa Christoff – Volunteer Coordinator
- Crystal Eckenroad – Finance Coordinator
- Shannon Preen – Client Services Coordinator
- Crystal Simpkins – Nutrition Distribution Assistant
- Jennifer Straub – Food Service Assistant
Meals on Wheels of Salem County began delivery on September 6, 1977. Meals were served to 15 clients. The first month, 150 volunteers served 324 meals prepared by Elmer Community Hospital. Funding was provided by a grant from the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders and seed money from the United Way of Salem County.
Each year, Meals on Wheels delivers between 35,000 and 40,000 meals to clients throughout Salem County. Our network of volunteers donate about 62,000 miles and over 5,000 hours of time annually. More than 250 volunteers serve meals and about 100 more provide support to Meals on Wheels by helping with events, office work and other needs. Volunteer driving is a small commitment, with big rewards. Drivers deliver 1 time every 4 weeks, for about 1 to 2 hours.
Meals on Wheels receives funding in part from Salem County Office on Aging grants: Title III of the Older Americans Act, a Social Service Block Grant, State Home Delivered Meals, and State Weekend Home Delivered Meals (casino revenue). Additional funding sources include Salem Health & Wellness Foundation, FEMA, local churches, private donations, client donations and fundraising events.
Contact Us
Use the form below for general questions or inquiries.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
At Meals on Wheels of Salem County, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all volunteers, staff members, clients, and community partners feel valued, respected, and empowered. Through our programs and services, we aim to promote understanding, celebrate diversity, and address the unique needs of each individual we serve.
We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices to ensure equity in access, opportunity, and treatment for everyone involved with Meals on Wheels of Salem County. By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive community, we strengthen our organization and enhance our ability to fulfill our mission of delivering meals with compassion and dignity. Meals on Wheels of Salem County remains dedicated to making a positive impact and advancing our shared vision of a more just and equitable community.
Staci is a 2001 graduate from Padua Academy. She went on to graduate from the American College in 2003, where she earned her Life Underwriting Chartered Financial and Financial Services Specialist designation.
Staci has worked in her 2nd generation, family-owned insurance agency, Dempsey Weiss and Associates for the past 15 years, where she prides herself in serving her clients in protecting their businesses and families.
Staci currently serves as the Board Chair of Meals on Wheels of Salem County; a non-profit that has been her labor of love for over 15 years.
You can find Staci and her husband John of 7 years, busy running after their two small children, Monroe, 4 years old, and Bishop 3 years old.
Chelsea Haines is the Annual Giving Manager at Inspira Health. She has worked in fundraising for over 5 years and resides in Salem County.
Chelsea joined Meals on Wheels of Salem County’s Board of Trustees in 2017 and currently serves on the Fundraising Committee and the Giant Pumpkin Carve Committee. Chelsea volunteers her time advocating for Meals on Wheels of Salem County.
Chelsea is a graduate of Stockton University with a Bachelors in Communications. She is also a graduate of Rowan University with a Masters in Higher Education Administration. Chelsea finds it important to be philanthropic and educate others on philanthropy.
Chelsea is a Salem County native and her hobbies include helping on the farm, gardening, hunting, family time and playing with her dog Holly.
Helen Townsend currently works for Fulton Bank as a Multi- Financial Center Manager.
Helen has over 20 years’ experience in the finance industry.
She has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for over 9 years and has served on the board for 7 years.
Helen lives in Pennsville with her husband and two children. She has a passion for helping those in need in many capacities and enjoys her monthly deliveries to the recipients of Meals on Wheels.
Dr. Makeesa Johnson DSW, LSW, LNHA, CALA, GCM
Dr. Johnson is the President/Owner of Elderly Healthcare Consulting, LLC, a company committed to improving the lives of the growing older adult population while supporting caregivers. Additionally, Dr. Johnson is an Adjunct Instructor at Wilmington University and Rowan University.
Dr. Johnson has worked in the healthcare industry since the age of 15 and has over 25 years’ professional experience having worked as a Medical Social Worker, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and an Assisted Living Administrator for leading companies in the healthcare industry. Dr. Johnson is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in PA and NJ and a Licensed Social Worker in NJ. Dr. Johnson holds a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University, Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and Bachelor’s in Social Work from Stockton University.
Dr. Johnson is also an active participant in her community; she is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., currently serving as the Elder Care Coordinator for the State of New Jersey, a Board member for Children and Parent Resources Group and a Board Member for the Salem County Meals on Wheels program, additionally Dr. Johnson holds active memberships with the National Association of Social Workers, the Gerontological Society of America, Aging Life Care Association and the Society of Licensed Nursing Home Administrators.
With a steadfast commitment to serving vulnerable populations, Meghan brings over 20 years of invaluable experience to her new role as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Salem County.
Throughout her career, Meghan has demonstrated unwavering dedication to advocating for and providing essential services to those in need. Her passion for supporting vulnerable communities has been evident in every aspect of their work, from developing innovative programs to fostering strong partnerships within the community.
As the new Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Meghan is poised to continue her mission of making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Salem County.
With her proven leadership skills, compassionate approach, an extensive experience in serving the community, Meghan is committed to ensuring that every individual receives the nourishment, care, and support they deserve.
Teresa Christoff has been our Volunteer Coordinator for almost 7 years and she loves working with our volunteers.
Teresa resides in Quinton with her husband. Teresa has 2 adult children and 1 granddaughter, Rory.
She enjoys time with her family, dogs and kayaking.
Crystal Eckenroad is the Finance Coordinator for Meals on Wheels of Salem County.
Since June of 2013 she has been responsible for the accuracy of the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, frozen and shelf stable inventory, and various financial reporting functions for the organization. Many of those same responsibilities have been added to her plate with her new part time accountant role with Appel Farm.
Crystal has over ten years’ experience working in the non-profit industry. She has over 22 years of increasingly responsible positions working in the corporate banking industry with concentrated knowledge in Treasury Accounting and Financial Operations reconcilement and reporting.