By David Purtell

david.purtell@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — It’s not often a pageant queen shows up at your front door, but that was the surprise some Kannapolis residents got Monday morning when Miss United States delivered Meals on Wheels.

Elizabeth Safirt, who was crowned Miss United States last July and is a Kannapolis native, delivered meals to 10 homes.

Safrit, wearing her crown and sash, sat for a few minutes on the couch with Estelle Nobles inside her cozy home. They talked about the rings Nobles was wearing on her hand.

“It’s an amazing experience,” Safrit said about being able to do something that directly affects the community where she grew up.

Community service is a big part of her role as Miss United States, she said, adding it’s important for people to help others who are in need.

“We have an obligation to help them … to help our community,” she said.

She quoted her grandfather, saying, “Volunteerism is the rent we pay for life.”

Safrit, 22, was accompanied by her mother, Lynne, and Bonnie Jones with Meals on Wheels.

Gabrielle Goins, after chatting with Safrit, said “I have really been taken care of,” by Meals on Wheels.

“I appreciate you guys very much,” she said.

The month of March is “March for Meals” national promotion month — called March on Wheels. Meals on Wheels spends the month connecting with local businesses and public figures to raise awareness about senior hunger.

Jones, development director for Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, said North Carolina has the fifth highest rate of senior hunger in the nation. And she said the number of people 65 and over who face food insecurity is expected to rise as the Baby Boomers continue to grow older and retire.

Meals on Wheels doesn’t just serve senior citizens, the organization also works with homebound and disabled people. And it’s not just a hot meal that is provided, the organization also delivers birthday gifts and Christmas presents, Jones said.

Jones said the most important service Meals on Wheels does is simply checking on people each day.

“Being able to check on someone” who doesn’t have anyone else looking out for them is important, she said.

In Cabarrus County alone, Jones said, Meals on Wheels serves 400 clients. Food is prepared in the kitchen at the Meals on Wheels branch office on South Main Street in Kannapolis. Volunteers deliver meals every day.

On June 6, Cabarrus Meals on Wheels will have its sixth annual Ducktona Dash, an arts and crafts festival and rubber duck race at Frank Liske Park, where all the proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels. Visit www.DucktonaDash.com for more information.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels of Cabarrus, visit www.cabarrusmow.org. For Rowan County, visit www.mowrowannc.org.

Contact Reporter David Purtell at 704-797-4264.