Dozens of residents gathered outside the Peters council meeting tonight, protesting the township's decision to cancel its lease with Meals on Wheels.
Many of those protesting said they are volunteers with the organization, based locally out of the township fire hall on East McMurray Road.
The organization, which delivers hot meals daily to more than 200 home-bound seniors and others in need, learned Friday that the township would not extend its $4,000 per month lease for kitchen and preparation space once its lease expires in December 2017.
The crowd chanted "keep our kitchen!" and "we feed grandma!" to council members as they filed into the meeting at 7:30 tonight. Many carried homemade signs.
It was standing-room only inside the meeting, where group members made their objective clear.
"I'm a volunteer -- we're all volunteers," said Susan Ruether Hanawalt, executive director of the organization. "We're asking you to reconsider your decision to kick us out of our space."
"We cook terrific food, mostly from scratch, with lots of fruits and vegetables," said Ms. Ruether Hanawalt, who said the group also prepares meals for those who are diabetic or who have special dietary needs. Ms. Ruether Hanawalt said the organization delivered more than 45,000 meals last year and was on track to increase that number to 50,000 or more by the end of 2015.
"Peters Township isn't very senior-friendly," said Ms. Ruether Hanawalt, who said many seniors can't make the trip on Route 19 to a grocery supercenter, where they are sometimes unable to walk through the large store. "Meals on Wheels is a great option."
Meals on Wheels spent $560,000 in 2008 to create kitchen space in the fire hall, thanks to donations totaling $1.7 million from local company Centi-Mark, which has continued supporting the organization with a $10,000 monthly donation.
In a letter to the group last week, township Manager Michael Silvestri said the volunteer fire department needs the space for storage and offices.
"...Council truly believes that Meals on Wheels is a very valuable service to the region and would like to do whatever it can to assist you in finding a long-term sustainable plan for your continued presence in our region," said the letter. "However, our current fire operational requirements necessitate the need for more space for fire operations."
"Peters Township does not in any way subsidize this operation," said volunteer John Hemington, who said the group isn't looking for a handout. They would like to continue the lease agreement long term. "It's shameful that you would turn your back on such a worthy organization."
The services of Meals on Wheels isn't limited to food delivery, said Ken Hanawalt -- one of 600 people who volunteer with the organization. Many times, volunteers are asked to get the mail, change a lightbulb or even give seniors a lift to the hospital or a doctor's appointment.
"I can see how important is it to them and their families," Mr. Hanawalt said of Meals on Wheels. "Peters Township is an aging community. Meals on Wheels makes it possible for many of them to stay in their homes."
Councilman James Berquist pointed out that only about 30 percent of the clients are from Peters. The organization is regional to the South Hills and delivers meals to neighboring communities as well.
“You should be going to other communities you’re serving," for support, he said. "No one on this council is against Meals on Wheels.”
"That's disgusting!" an audience member responded. Others booed.
Ms. Ruether Hanawalt said it's unlikely the group could receive funding from any local municipality, because the nonprofit isn't considered a governmental service.
Council members said they appreciate the group's aims and achievements and said they would reconsider their decision.
"We will take your comments to heart," said council President David Ball. "We hear you."
Janice Crompton: jcrompton@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1159.
First Published: December 8, 2015, 3:58 a.m.
