How Brevard responded when Meals on Wheels prep kettle went kaput

Brevard, well done. Give yourself a hand.

When the nonprofit that helps feed Space Coast seniors suddenly faced an avalanche of repair needs, the community stepped up in a big way to help Aging Matters in Brevard.

In the space of just two weeks in May, Aging Matters was looking at shelling out around $35,000 to replace equipment used at the Community Kitchen. First, the ice machine conked out. Then, an 80-gallon kettle used to prep food for Meals on Wheels and other senior food programs gasped its last.

But thanks to the generosity of the Space Coast community, a whopping $89,000 in donations came in. Now deliveries continue to roll with no big financial blow to Aging Matters, administrator of the food programs.

"I've never seen a response like this to an emergency since I've been here," said Tom Kammerdener, president and CEO of Aging Matters. "People were coming out of the woodwork. And even after we met our goal, and donors knew we'd met it, they were still OK with us building up, putting the money towards other equipment, or helping our seniors in other ways."

The ice machine, which cost $7,000, has already been replaced at the kitchen, where food for Meals on Wheels and Seniors at Lunch sites is dished up for delivery. The old kettle — a "steam jacketed" one that can cook everything from vegetables to meats to casseroles and cost about $28,000 new — is on the way, said Kammerdener.

More:Kettle that helps produce Meals on Wheels food is kaput: Fundraising is on to buy new one

Individuals and businesses alike responded to the initial campaign, but after a May 26 FLORIDA TODAY story about the situation, the gifts — ranging from $20 to $22,000 — poured in.

And every single one was appreciated, Kammerdener said.

The largest gifts came from Pineapple Cove Classical Academy in Palm Bay and MH Williams Construction Group of Melbourne. Smaller financial gifts came from across the county — plus a possibility of a discount on another piece of equipment that will be needed soon.

The staff and volunteers at Aging Matters, which offers a variety of senior-focused programs countywide, are moved by the outpouring of care and concern, Kammerdener said.

"It's definitely overwhelming, and it's heartwarming," he said.

Every weekday, at least 1,500 meals make their way from huge kettles to Brevard residents who get Meals on Wheels or eat at Seniors at Lunch sites. Since the kitchen uses at least 1,500 pounds of ice daily, the machine had to be replaced right away.

Keeping the kitchen running full-steam ahead, with properly working equipment, is critical, said officials.

"Fighting food insecurity and isolation is what Meals on Wheels is all about," said Vimarie Monopoli, director of development.

In addition, the Community Kitchen workers also whip up meals for adult and children's daycare centers over the summer months. That's another 600 to 700 meals weekly.

And the list for Meals on Wheels keeps increasing: As of Wednesday, there was a 286-person waiting list for Meals on Wheels as of Wednesday.

But there are also 650 "incredible" volunteers who come out daily to get food to those who are on the current delivery roster, Kammerdener said.

"Rain or shine, the pandemic, everything ... they've never failed us," he said. "They're a lifeline for our program."

So, too, are the kinds of people who helped solve the kettle issue quickly, he said.

"The number of new donors was, again, just really heartwarming," Kammerdener said.

"All of this will go toward helping our Brevard seniors, and meeting their needs is crucial. It's amazing that our community cares so much in our time of need."

Britt Kennerly is education/breaking news editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Kennerly at 321-917-4744 or [email protected]. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly.