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When disaster strikes, like the recent Hurricane Helene, our first thoughts turn to the safety and well-being of our loved ones. We check on our families, friends and neighbors to ensure they have access to essentials like food, water and shelter. For some in our community, though, these necessities are not always guaranteed, even on an ordinary day. That's where Mobile Meals of Spartanburg steps in. Hodge Floors has been a proud partner in their mission for almost 40 years.
This commitment began when Jamie Hodge, co-owner of Hodge Floors, first heard Jayne McQueen, the founder of Mobile Meals, speak at a Leadership Spartanburg event. Inspired by her passion, he immediately established a delivery route for his employees—a tradition that continues to this day. "It's one thing to support a cause financially,” Jamie reflects, “but with Mobile Meals, you have to get in the car and do something. It has a real impact on you.” Jamie serves on the board of Mobile Meals and is currently serving as the board president until June 2025.
To understand the depth of this partnership, we sat down with Jamie Hodge, Jayne McQueen and Laura Boles, the current president and CEO of Mobile Meals, to discuss the impact of Hodge Floors’ long-standing dedication.
The Power of Partnership
“Hodge Floors' commitment has been invaluable,” Jayne shares. "They've not only provided consistent volunteers, but Jamie's leadership on the Board of Directors has been instrumental in guiding Mobile Meals." Jayne has been serving in the role of CEO of Mobile Meals of Spartanburg since its founding in 1977.
For Jamie, the connection is deeply personal. “Jayne means a lot to me," he explains. “Her faith and dedication to this organization are inspiring. It's an honor to be a part of something that makes such a tangible difference in people's lives."
Jayne credits the success of Mobile Meals to its foundational commitment to faith in Christ. As a completely independent, privately funded not-for-profit organization, they have been able to keep Christ as the center of the organization’s mission to glorify God by providing nutritious meals, services, and fellowship to homebound citizens in Spartanburg County. “Years ago, Jamie and many other leaders in this community understood what mattered,” says Jayne. “Somewhere, by God’s grace, the Spartanburg community claimed Mobile Meals as Spartanburg, and I have watched that evolve over the last 48 years.”
“Hodge is one of many Spartanburg businesses that donate their time and money,” Jayne mentioned. “All seven universities in Spartanburg have routes, QS1 had two teams from different locations deliver, and this offered an opportunity to develop comradery between each other.” Laura Boles explained that she started a route when previously working at Eggs Up Grill as the marketing director. “As a company, Eggs Up Grill wanted to partner with an organization that has the same values as they had. We would rather give of our time,” says Laura.
Mobile Meals of Spartanburg recently announced the appointment of Laura Boles as the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer. “The first day that I was here was an honor of a lifetime,” says Laura. “Mobile Meals already meant so much to me. It doesn't feel like work; it is people who depend on you. This work is a different level of responsibility, but it is a true blessing. This whole team is dedicated and understands how important this is.”
In the coming year, Mobile Meals hopes to raise 2.6 million dollars to fulfill the needs of their ministry. As the county is growing and people are living longer, there are fewer resources, and people need to stay in their homes as long as they can. Mobile Meals is able to provide the nutrition that elderly and homebound residents need and can even support people with more complicated health and food needs.
“We are serving more meals than we ever have and it has never cost this much before,” says Laura. “Every day, we have volunteers coming as early as 7:30 a.m. and they work to pack 1,350–1,450 meals each day, then they go into the warmers.”
Another set of volunteers arrives between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to pick up these meals and distribute them to over 100 routes. Almost 60% of these routes are coming out of the Mobile Meals building, and there are also 12 drop site locations. A drop site is where a Mobile Meals van brings meals to another location where more volunteers can pick them up to deliver to residents in the surrounding area. The drop sites enable Mobile Meals to serve all of Spartanburg County, the largest landmass county in South Carolina, including parts of Greer.
Beyond the Meal
Over the years, Jamie and his employees have formed lasting bonds with the people on their delivery routes. He recalls one woman, Inez, who lived alone and whose health was declining. When she didn't answer the door one day, Jamie's concern led him to find her in need of urgent medical attention. "It's more than just a meal," he emphasizes. “It's the fellowship, the connection, the reassurance that someone cares."
Jayne recounts a story of a volunteer, Tommy Stokes, a retired principal, who was delivering to a former football coach in his nineties. "As this man thanked me for his meal, a tear came down his cheek," she says, "because that meal meant so much to that man. It's a lifeline for many who are homebound and alone."
How You Can Help
The need for Mobile Meals’ services is constantly growing. As our community ages and resources become stretched, the organization relies on the support of individuals and businesses. Here's how you can contribute:
- Volunteer your time. Even an hour a week can make a huge difference.
- Make a donation. Every dollar helps provide meals and support services.
- Spread the word. Share Mobile Meals' story with your friends, family and colleagues.
Hodge Floors is proud to stand alongside Mobile Meals in their mission to nourish and care for our community. Here is a link for the open routes to sign up. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry or feels forgotten, especially in times of need.
