Liberty in Clay County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Meals On Wheels
Liberty
In 1973, a compassionate vision ignited a movement. Bill Riggs, a minister at Second Baptist Church, witnessed firsthand the struggles of elderly congregants who were going hungry.
Inspired by their plight, he and a dedicated group of volunteers founded Liberty Meals on Wheels. Under the guidance of Bill Riggs and Irene Thomas, the program flourished. Volunteers prepared and delivered hot, nutritious meals to the elderly, ill and disabled. Frances Hembree, a gifted cook, ensured that each meal was not only satisfying but also balanced and delicious.
In April 1986, Liberty Hospital assumed the responsibility of preparing the meals, allowing for greater customization of diets to meet specific needs. This organizational structure continues today, overseen by a Board of Directors composed of Liberty community members, ensuring that our community's most vulnerable members receive the nourishment they deserve. Today, Liberty Hospital continues to provide these vital meals, and the City of Liberty continues its administrative role, ensuring that our community's most vulnerable members receive the nourishment they deserve.
Thousands of caring volunteers have nourished our community, delivering not just meals, but also compassion and connection. This shelter serves as the central pick-up point, ensuring the efficient delivery of meals to those in need.
Liberty Meals on Wheels remains a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders and the countless volunteers who have carried on their legacy.
Erected 2025 by City of Liberty, MO & Meals on Wheels Liberty.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.
Location. 39° 14.959′ N, 94° 25.375′ W. Marker is in Liberty, Missouri, in Clay County. It is on Grover Street north of West Mississippi Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 Grover St, Liberty MO 64068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Missouri River Corridor and in Greater Kansas City. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Lawrence Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); The Liberty, Missouri Juneteenth Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Ruth Powell Moore (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Juneteenth (within shouting distance of this marker); In Celebration of America's 250th (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Betty Lou & Denny Anderson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Liberty Mormon Jail (about 800 feet away); Liberty Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liberty.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Erika Brant of Liberty, Missouri. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Erika Brant of Liberty, Missouri. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

