March 2022 marks 50 years since Meals on Wheels, the nation’s premier nutrition program for seniors, was funded. For Vermont’s aging population, it has become a lifeline for many of our neighbors – even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nowhere was the “urgency of the mission” more palpable than at the kitchen of the Historic Homes of Runnemede, where the staff was preparing the days meals for delivery to Windsor, Hartland, West Windsor, Ascutney, and Reading.
Corey Follansbee, a prep cook, exuded pure joy as he spoke of the operation.
“This is so important for so many people,” he said. “I love doing this work!.”
The kitchen staff of four prepared an average of 1400 meals each month during the last three months.
Outside, a fleet of volunteer drivers were lining up to receive their meal deliveries for the day.
One volunteer, Jim Lawrence, has been delivering meals for 16-½ years.
“More comes back to me from doing this than I can possibly give,” he said, as he pointed to his heart. “The sheer happiness and appreciation that our recipients have when they see us is priceless.”
Jim’s “home organization” is Aging in Hartland; the volunteer next to him, Linda Leone, drives in from Cornish. The operation in the Windsor area is a broad community effort; the meals are produced at the Historic Homes of Runnemede, while the drivers are vetted and trained under the coordination of Volunteers in Action (VIA.)
“It truly is a team effort, with each group doing their part to aid in the success of the program,” said Amanda Jordan Smith, coordinator of VIA. “From the staff in the kitchen at HHR who makes the food, to the volunteers that bag and deliver the meals to recipients in five local towns, to the Volunteers in Action staff that contribute logistical support and coordination throughout the entire process, we come together to not only provide nutrition, but also friendly visiting and wellness checks.”
Recently, VIA coordinated with local schools to have students create Valentine’s Day cards for Meals on Wheels recipients to fosters a sense of community and to provide emotional and social support to those whose only interaction that day may have been receiving their Meals on Wheels delivery. VIA has also been able to provide their recipients with COVID-19 test kits, flowers, Everyone Eats meals, and other small gifts.
“The program is focused on nutritional needs, but there is also the social aspect of having a familiar, friendly face come to the door,” said Wendi Germain, the Nutrition & Wellness director of Senior Solutions, which provides support to the program. “For many, these drivers may be the only face they see all week. We so appreciate these Windsor area volunteers. I cannot overemphasize how critical it is to have public support for these programs, through both volunteerism and donations.”
Wendi noted that Meals on Wheels operations across Vermont rely heavily on public donations to keep them running – with more than 50 percent of the funding coming from local donations.
“We are proud to be a part of this vital program, and we are honored to build upon its incredible foundation as we continue to support and connect neighbors helping neighbors,” Smith said. “Those interested in joining the Meals on Wheels team can connect with VIA by phone at 802-674-5971, or email [email protected] to get started.
Donations to help support the operation in its 50th Anniversary year can be made by a check to Historic Homes of Runnemede at 40 Maxwell Perkins La, Windsor, VT 05089, or made directly on their website at hhrliving.org.
This piece was written by Thom Simmons, Nutrition & Wellness Outreach specialist at Senior Solutions.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.