Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee delivers meal No. 10 million

MANATEE -- A 97-year-old Manatee County resident was the recipient Thursday of meal No. 10 million from Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.

The nonprofit delivered the lunch to Marie Smith, who has visual impairments and is unable to prepare meals herself.

"They are nice," Smith said. "They're good. I've been getting them since way back in the '80s."

Staff and volunteer dedication and ongoing community support allowed the organization to achieve the

accomplishment, according to the release.

"This event celebrates a milestone, increases public awareness of seniors in need and renews the support of our community," the release states.

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee CEO Maribeth Phillips and William Robinson, board chairman, delivered the meal.

"This weekend is our 43rd anniversary so it's our birthday," Phillips said. "So 10 million meals in 43 years. It's incredible."

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 11:56 PM with the headline "Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee delivers meal No. 10 million ."