Heartland Resources offers new kitchen and new start in Lewis County

EWING, Mo. — Staff and volunteers at Heartland Resources are now preparing daily meals in an upgraded kitchen. Thanks to a federal grant promoting food security, which they were made aware of through the Lewis County Health Department, Heartland has replaced two outdated appliances with more to come.

Heartland Resources, a community impact partner of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, prepares more than 2,200 meals each month. The agency provides nutritious meals for Lewis County senior citizens who can dine-in at their location in Ewing or have them delivered to their homes. Heartland Resources also provides in-home services, such as help with housekeeping and other daily tasks, around Lewis and Scotland counties.

Mark Lueckenhoff, volunteer executive director of Heartland Resources, said that with some appliances not working properly, the upgrades are needed to continue their work both safely and affordably.

Heartland recently replaced its large oven, which was not functioning and was too old to find parts. A refrigerator that occasionally had problems regulating the temperature has been replaced, and two broken steam tables have been replaced. Meanwhile, the kitchen got a new paint job.

Lueckenhoff is happy to have the new appliances, especially after a few bumps in the road during installation.

“It was quite a trick getting that old stove out the door and the new one in. We had to take some doorways apart to get them through,” Luckenhoff said in a press release.

The old copper gas lines, which would erode from natural gas, were replaced with iron lines.

Heartland Resources plans to replace the remaining two refrigerators and a convection oven. It also wants to upgrade its existing window air conditioning units, aiming to install more efficient mini-split units that also will function as heat pumps. It hopes to redo the outdated kitchen lighting and replace a few serving carts to complete the kitchen overhaul.

Along with staff members and several volunteers preparing daily meals, Heartland Resources also has developed a comprehensive delivery network spanning Lewis County with five primary routes. This multifaceted delivery system relies heavily on volunteers for Heartland Resources to reach clients across Lewis County.

Local volunteers in areas like Canton and LaGrange receive the meals, then distribute them to clients in those communities. For the Ewing and Maywood regions, Heartland has dedicated routes where meals are delivered directly.

The towns of Lewistown and LaBelle also are covered in a partnership with a local organization called Wider Opportunities, which helps adults with disabilities to handle the Monday and Wednesday deliveries to LaBelle. Heartland’s team takes care of the Friday routes.

Lueckenhoff volunteers as the agency director to fill a spot that became vacant after the previous director stepped down. The agency is looking for a full-time executive director.

Heartland also is working through financial challenges. With recent utility bills topping $800 and their state funding cut by around 30 percent, the monthly budget often experiences significant shortfalls.

Lueckenhoff appreciates the state funding it receives and understands that financial challenges are everywhere. Meanwhile, he is grateful for the United Way of the Mark Twain Area funding, which has helped Heartland Resources cover operational expenses.

“One of the things that makes our United Way funding very special is they don’t dictate how the money must be used. We can actually use it for necessities like utility bills and other essential costs,” Lueckenhoff said. “We’re very happy to have the support of the United Way.”

Lueckenhoff said Heartland Resources always is looking for volunteers to help with meals, delivery and more. For information on volunteering and other ways to help Heartland Resources, call 573-209-3600.