Economic downturn hurts local Meals on Wheels

In the last year and a half, the waiting list has tripled, directors said.

Linda Holland, of Raleigh, has been on the waiting list for two months. Holland has diabetes and nerve damage in her legs. She and her boyfriend live together, but he is out of work and does not have a vehicle.

Situations like Holland’s frustrate Meals on Wheels volunteer driver Wes Wilson, who wishes he and the charity could do more.

“They can’t get to everybody,” Wilson said.

Wilson was laid off from his construction sales job about eight months ago. Now he delivers food to those in need.

“A lot of people can’t get to the door. They can’t see. They can’t get in their wheelchairs to get to the door,” Wilson said.