Debra Hammett

Now a driver at the agency for three years, Mike’s journey with Sullivan County Nutrition Services started innocently enough. “I was retired and saw a sign on someone’s car about Meals on Wheels. I was looking for something to do and applied. I’m really glad got involved.” While most client interactions are brief, they are very meaningful to clients. “I know going in that I might be the only outside person someone sees in a given day,” he says. “So, I try to talk about anything, sports, movies, you name it. But I do steer away from politics,” he jokes.

As he loads his Kia Sportage (an all-wheel drive thank you!) with meals for that day’s delivery, Mike says that “what we do here really matters.” “Our clients are part of this community and the service we provide is very important.”

Married 74 years, Hazel and John are plenty active, but do appreciate some help with meals. On this day, they took a break from some household chores to share their experiences with the Meals on Wheels program.
“We enjoy all of the food. And it’s always fun talking to the drivers This really is a great help to us,” she said. Like John she says all of the food is great but added” the macaroni and cheese is my favorite.”
“This really is a great help to us,” she said. “I don’t know what we’d do without them.”

As a client for the past 2 years, Virginia lists the stewed tomatoes and the macaroni and cheese as favorites on her list. “But all of the food is good, and this service is so helpful to me,” she said. “I’m unable to drive to the store as often as I would like, so having the meals delivered give me a great piece of mind.” “I tell all of my friends how great the food is.”

Unable to drive due to a medical issue, retired photographer Leslie calls Meals on Wheels “a true blessing. The food choices are outstanding.” She shared that as she gets back on her feet, the home deliveries of meals and companionship from the drivers has been an important part of her recovery. She doesn’t have family in the area and says “it’s reassuring to know that meals are taken care of. This makes a big difference to me in my life.”

As a member of the organization for more than 5 years, he says he like deliveries and conversations. “So many people have led such interesting lives, the things they’ve done, the experiences they’ve had. I really enjoy getting to know people. You develop a relationship with people- you care about them, and they care about you.”