Meals on Wheels
Alan and Rita live in a rural area between Almond and Amherst, in a home they built themselves. As Rita describes it, they love their home deeply but when they built it, they didn’t consider how it would meet their needs as they got older. The tri-level layout has become difficult for Alan, a polio survivor who now uses a wheelchair. Surrounded by the beauty of the countryside and a winding river, their home is peaceful, but it also presents daily challenges. With their children living far away, Rita has taken on the role of Alan’s primary caregiver.
When Rita began facing health challenges and needed to rely on a walker while receiving in-home health services, they knew they needed help but not wanting to leave their home. That’s when they reached out and began receiving meals through our Rural Home Delivered Meal Service. Since June 2023, they’ve had nutritious meals delivered right to their door. Rita often shares how much they appreciate not only the quality of the meals but also the kindness and warmth of the drivers who bring them.
In March 2024, Rita suffered a severe fall while picking up medication at a gas station. She sustained a brain bleed and required 17 stitches. The recovery was difficult; she struggled with intense headaches and was in weak condition. During this time, our volunteer drivers, some of whom are retired nurses, took extra care to observe Rita and Alan's situation and report any concerns they noticed. The regular check-ins demonstrated that rural delivered meals is truly “more than the meal.” Our team provided referrals for additional support services and reached out to Rita and Alan, as well as their emergency contacts, when needed.
Alan and Rita continue to live in their home, receiving ongoing meal deliveries and regular visits from our caring drivers. Through our Nutrition Program, we continue to provide resources and conduct yearly reassessments to ensure they have the support they need. Without our services, they wouldn’t have known about transportation options for shopping or medical appointments. The meal assistance has alleviated a significant burden for Rita as she recovers from her health issues while continuing to care for Alan.
This story is just one of many that reflect the true impact of our program. Time and again, our drivers do more than deliver food; they identify concerns, offer companionship, and help ensure that people aren’t left to struggle alone. The communication between our drivers, staff, and emergency contacts ensures that participants receive the support they need. And through follow-ups and referrals, our Nutrition Program is there every step of the way.