TAMPA, Fla. — Student leaders from the Meals On Wheels of Tampa High School Leadership Board (HSLB) are adding a little extra green to Greater Tampa by packing and preparing 1,000 succulents to be delivered to homebound neighbors and seniors during Produce On Wheels on Saturday, February 21.
The succulents will accompany fresh produce deliveries—creating a multi-generational moment of nourishment, connection, and joy at the front door.
The High School Leadership Board is a service-learning and leadership development program that connects high school juniors and seniors to Meals On Wheels of Tampa’s mission. Students serve as ambassadors in the community, volunteer regularly, and help develop new initiatives, including Water On Wheels and this year’s succulent delivery.
This year’s HSLB includes students from: Berkeley Preparatory School, Plant High School, Robinson High School, Alonso High School, Blake High School, Bloomingdale High School, Tampa Preparatory School, Largo High School, Clearwater Central Catholic, and Academy of the Holy Names.
Among this year’s student leaders is Byron Solis, a junior at Blake High School.
“Being part of HSLB challenges you to think about the community you live in and how you want to positively impact it,” said Byron Solis. “Through committees like finance and graphic design, we develop real-world skills while serving with purpose and heart.
“We chose succulents because they symbolize resilience and growth. They bring a breath of fresh air indoors, and we hope they grow alongside each recipient—an everlasting token of our appreciation and love for the people we serve. We hope each person values and enjoys their small but meaningful companion.”
“This is what leadership looks like,” said Mandy Cloninger, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Tampa. “High school students are rolling up their sleeves to care for seniors who helped build our community. They’re delivering more than food—they’re delivering compassion, joy, and a delightful plant to brighten our neighbors’ day and their homes.”
Each weekday, Meals On Wheels of Tampa delivers hot meals to approximately 1,000 homebound and senior neighbors, along with a friendly wellness check from a caring volunteer. Research shows that consistent nutrition paired with social connection supports improved health outcomes for older adults.
On Saturday, when volunteers knock on doors across Tampa, they won’t just bring healthy food—they’ll also bring a living reminder that someone cares. Succulents were chosen intentionally: resilient, low-maintenance, and long-lasting, much like the spirit of the seniors who receive them.
Meals On Wheels of Tampa is celebrating 50 years of nourishing the body, enriching the spirit, and strengthening the community. Saturday’s succulent deliveries are a small—but powerful—example of that mission in action.
Media Opportunities
Student packing event: Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19, 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Meals On Wheels of Tampa, 5320 North Blvd, Tampa, FL 33603
Produce + succulent deliveries: Saturday, February 21, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (various delivery locations throughout Tampa)
Media are invited to capture packing, interviews, delivery moments, and community engagement.
Media Contact:
For media inquiries, please contact Media Coordinator Malia Powers at 813-763-7488 or malia@poweronmarketing.com.
About Meals On Wheels of Tampa
Since 1975, Meals On Wheels of Tampa has been committed to nourishing and enriching the lives of senior and homebound neighbors through daily meal deliveries and friendly visits. Today, the organization strengthens the community by serving nearly 1,000 recipients in the Greater Tampa area. Meals On Wheels of Tampa is a privately funded, 4-Star Charity and a proud member of Meals on Wheels America. The organization relies on the community for financial and volunteer support and does not accept any direct government funding.
To learn more about volunteering or supporting Meals On Wheels of Tampa, visit www.mowtampa.org.
