Marti Lindell resigned as executive director of Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County on Sept. 23.
Under Lindell’s leadership since 2006, the nonprofit organization now provides more than 200 homebound seniors with low-cost or no-cost meals every weekday.
“We wish Marti well. She has a true passion for ending senior hunger,” said Board President Susan Wack in accepting the resignation, which Lindell offered for personal reasons. “As the voice of Meals on Wheels, she has been an outspoken advocate for our clients and their families.”
The departure comes at a time when Meals on Wheels is feeding more people than it ever has in its 36-year history. More than 4,800 hot, nutritious meals were delivered in August. Wack said meal service will continue without interruption as the board searches for Lindell’s successor.
“Our staff is dedicated and a small army of volunteers is devoted to getting noontime meals to residents of every Hamilton County community,” Wack explained. “Several of the 400-plus drivers have volunteered since Meals on Wheels was founded in 1975.”
Limited access to food, also known as food insecurity is an often overlooked problem among the senior population, added Wack, a geriatric care manager. Even older residents who can afford groceries hesitate to tell family and friends when they need help preparing meals, fearing they will be forced from their homes. In a study by the Meals on Wheels Association of America, Indiana ranked 12th in the nation for food insecurity.