What you likely know is that Meals on Wheels is a non-profit that delivers hot meals to individuals in the community. Most individuals do not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes before these meals are delivered. In fact, the San Antonio location is the only Meals on Wheels site that prepares meals in-house for community members.
Behind the scenes are many caring, loving, and selfless individuals who help keep our community fed. Mary Tijerina is one of these individuals who helps keep the wheels turning here. Currently, Meals on Wheels delivers 3,400 meals, and this number is steadily increasing.
Every day for the past 20 years, Mary has been up bright and early to ensure our community is receiving a nutritious meal.
She found a listing in the newspaper for a kitchen helper position and was hired the week of her interview. When she was hired, she was told to make each meal as if it were for her own family. Mary excelled at this job and, within two weeks, was promoted to the kitchen lead & special diets coordinator. Her job is to prepare special diet meals and ensure the kitchen line runs smoothly. Special diets include meals such as ground and pureed foods that are prepared for individuals with dysphagia.
Mary goes above and beyond her job title every single day. She not only does her job, but she also helps in a variety of areas. She helps pack breakfast and frozen meals, assists the chefs, trains volunteers, and handles deliveries.
Two years ago, Mary was personally impacted by Meals on Wheels when members of her family began receiving meals.
Meals on Wheels is much more than a job to Mary. Every day, she is making an impact in our community and with her family. She is fulfilled knowing that she is lending a helping hand to someone in need.
