Sometimes the most important thing delivered by Meals on Wheels isn’t the meal. It’s the smile, the conversation, and the reminder that someone cares.
At our November 5 meeting, the Apex Lions Club welcomed Jill Straight, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement for Meals on Wheels of Wake County, who shared some heartwarming stories, surprising statistics, and opportunities for our community to make a difference in the lives of our senior neighbors.
Jill began with a story about how she first became involved with Meals on Wheels many years ago. A fellow church member invited her to help deliver meals. When Jill learned that she could bring her young son along, she decided to give it a try. What happened next made a lasting impression. The seniors receiving meals were absolutely delighted to see her baby boy! In fact, some were so excited about their little visitor that they almost forgot about the food being delivered. They were simply thrilled to have company, especially an adorable baby. Fast-forward many years, and Jill recently had an opportunity to make deliveries with that same son, now a grown man. She discovered that the seniors were nearly as interested in seeing him as they had been when he was a baby! The story beautifully illustrates something that became a recurring theme throughout Jill’s presentation: Meals on Wheels delivers much more than food. It delivers human connection.
Meals on Wheels of Wake County serves seniors age 60 and older who are homebound and have difficulty obtaining or preparing nutritious meals. The program is not based on income, and some people with disabilities who are younger than 60 may also qualify. One of Jill’s favorite clients is a woman named Ms. Phyllis, who is 98 years old and still lives in the same house she and her husband purchased when they married more than 70 years ago! Stories like hers demonstrate why this program matters. Many older adults want nothing more than to remain in their own homes, surrounded by familiar memories and the independence they have enjoyed for decades. Meals on Wheels helps make that possible.
Hot, nutritious meals are delivered Monday through Friday around lunchtime. But the service goes beyond the dinner plate. Volunteers also provide a friendly visit and an opportunity to check on the well-being of their clients. Occasionally, deliveries include special surprises such as pet food, holiday gifts, Valentine’s Day flowers, and other thoughtful gestures that brighten someone’s day. For a senior who lives alone, those little touches can mean the world.
Loneliness and social isolation are serious challenges for many older adults, particularly those who can no longer drive or easily leave their homes. For some Meals on Wheels recipients, the volunteer delivering lunch may be one of the few people they see that day. A friendly conversation, a familiar face, or simply someone asking, “How are you doing today?” can make a tremendous difference. The visits also offer peace of mind to family members who may not live nearby or cannot check on their loved ones every day. Some families particularly value the program because it provides another opportunity for someone to look in on an aging parent or relative.
Jill emphasized that volunteering is not only rewarding for the people receiving meals. It can be a wonderful experience for those making the deliveries. She told us about two men who had worked together before retiring. Wanting to stay connected, they decided to share a Meals on Wheels delivery route. Now they spend about an hour delivering meals together, then head out to lunch and enjoy some time catching up. What a great way to combine friendship, retirement, and community service!
Jill also shared a particularly charming observation from a child who described Meals on Wheels as “reverse trick or treating.” Instead of going from house to house collecting candy, you go from house to house giving people food! That’s a pretty wonderful way to describe volunteering.
As heartwarming as these stories are, Jill also shared some sobering realities about the challenges facing Meals on Wheels. The organization relies on substantial community support to keep its services operating. Although government funding helps, grants and contributions from individuals, civic organizations, businesses, and even volunteers themselves are essential. According to Jill, a typical meal costs approximately $10 to provide, while reimbursement covers only about $5. Donations help bridge that gap. She also noted that providing a senior with meals for an entire year costs roughly the same as a single day in a hospital or ten days in a senior care facility. Helping older adults remain healthy, nourished, and independent isn’t just compassionate. It can also be a remarkably cost-effective way to serve our community.
The need for volunteers is substantial. Jill explained that the Wake County program depends on more than 100 volunteers every weekday, with approximately seven delivery routes serving Apex. And the need will only grow as our population ages. The biggest volunteer need is for meal delivery drivers, but there are several ways to help:
- Deliver meals: Spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes bringing nutritious lunches and friendly greetings to seniors.
- Pack meals: Help prepare meals and accompanying items for distribution.
- Volunteer at a Friendship Cafe: Assist at locations where seniors gather for meals, activities, and companionship.
- Donate: Help cover the funding gap that makes these essential services possible.
- Advocate: Tell others about the program and encourage friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community organizations to get involved.
You don’t necessarily have to volunteer every week. Meals on Wheels offers flexible opportunities, including monthly and backup delivery assignments. For Apex residents interested in helping, there is a local meal delivery volunteer site at United Church, 816 E. Williams Street in Apex.
Learn more or sign up at: www.wakemow.org/volunteer
To learn about receiving meals for yourself or a loved one, visit: www.wakemow.org/application-services-wakemow
Jill closed her presentation with three simple requests: Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Those words certainly resonated with the Apex Lions Club. Since 1937, our club has worked to improve lives in the Apex community through volunteer service, charitable support, vision-related programs, and partnerships with organizations that help our neighbors in need. Like Meals on Wheels, we believe that even a small commitment of time can have an enormous impact on someone’s life. We sincerely thank Jill Straight for joining us and sharing her passion for serving Wake County’s older adults. Her stories reminded us that sometimes a simple knock on the door can make someone’s entire day.
Would you like to be part of a group of neighbors who enjoy helping others?
The Apex Lions Club welcomes visitors and prospective members. We meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6:45 p.m. at the CC Jones Building, 309 Holleman Street in Apex. Come visit, meet your neighbors, and discover how rewarding community service can be.
Visit www.apexlions.org to learn more.
Apex Lions Club: We Serve!
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