EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Excelsior Springs’ Meals and a Visit Program is moving into its next phase after the City Council approved a service agreement with Excelsior Springs Hospital to prepare meals for participants at a rate of five dollars and fifty cents ($5.50) per meal. The contract, which runs through June 2026, sets the foundation for a fully local operation that keeps meal production, pickup, and delivery inside city limits.
Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams said the partnership gives the program both stability and flexibility as it enters its first full year. The hospital will prepare a specialized menu designed for MVP, with food service staff personalizing selections to meet dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
With the contract in place, staff are now preparing for an official launch in January, although the program has already begun providing meals to some participants. Williams said the first year will likely serve around a dozen residents rather than the previously estimated thirty. This smaller start is intentional as the city refines its program and ensures its financial sustainability before expanding participation.
A committee led by Jesse Hall is finalizing eligibility standards, including medical verification, to ensure the program stays focused on homebound residents who cannot safely or consistently access the Community Centers’ on-site meal programs.
Funding remains a key focus. Clay County Senior Services provided the initial investment of $22,000 needed to launch the program, but organizers want MVP to remain stable even if future county allocations change. To support that goal, the Community Foundation of Excelsior Springs will continue collecting donations through the ES Gives platform, where supporters can sponsor meals at daily, monthly, or annual levels.
The city is also preparing to hire a part-time coordinator to manage volunteer schedules, oversee delivery logistics, and handle communication with households. Existing volunteers who have been informally helping hospice patients are expected to transition into the structured MVP system once it launches.
In a significant development for the program’s launch, the Meals & a Visit Program has selected Tammy Murphy as its new Program Coordinator. Murphy currently serves as Director of the Excelsior Springs Farmers Market, where she has demonstrated strong leadership, grant management expertise, and a track record of building sustainable community programs.
A retired educator and administrator with a background in financial data management, Murphy brings experience in budgeting, organization, and accountability—skills that align directly with the operational demands of MVP. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration and undergraduate degrees in Finance/Management and Elementary Education.
Organizers say Murphy’s blend of financial insight, educational experience, and community involvement will provide the structure and direction needed as MVP launches and grows in its first year.
To read our previous coverage with more details on the program, click here.
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