LOCAL HERO Meals That Matter

Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services is filled with people dedicated to making a difference, but its volunteers and drivers with the Meals on Wheels program stand out — especially in the winter months, when weather can make it difficult for many residents to keep nutritious food on hand. &emsp;Meals on Wheels delivers meals directly to people's homes. "These are folks who are generally seniors or disabled people who have a hard time leaving home. They also tend to have significant financial challenges and don't have the resources to prepare meals on their own," says Katie Hart, director of operations. &emsp;In Cheshire County, the Meals on Wheels program serves more than 300 people every day, preparing and delivering around 350 meals. Some clients who struggle to access food receive more than one meal per day — sometimes an extra breakfast or several frozen meals they can heat later. &emsp;"Our drivers are fantastic. They are a mix of staff drivers and volunteer drivers. They really enjoy the work that they do, and they love to make those daily connections with Meals on Wheels clients," notes Hart. "It's not just about nutrition; it's about those daily safety checks to make sure people are doing well and haven't had a fall." If drivers are unable to reach a client, they immediately get in touch with the person's emergency contacts. &emsp;During the winter months, staff and volunteers also deliver Blizzard Bags ahead of major storms. These bags contain shelf-stable, nutritious foods — items such as canned soups or chilis, chicken salad pouches, juice, crackers, bread and fruit cups — so clients have access to food that does not require refrigeration. To keep everyone safe, the Meals on Wheels program follows the local school district's snow day schedule. Even on days when drivers cannot be on the road, they call every client to conduct a safety check and provide a bit of social connection. &emsp;"For 40 percent of our clients, the meal driver is the only person they see all day," Hart says. "And 47 percent of our clients say they eat less when they don't get a Meals-on-Wheels delivery." &emsp;The Meals on Wheels program began in 1965 with the Older Americans Act and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. Cheshire County's program is one branch of the national effort; each local program operates independently but works with Meals on Wheels America to follow established nutritional guidelines. &emsp;The organization continues to rely on community support. There is currently a gap of about $5 per meal delivered, factoring in the cost of food, drivers, and the reimbursements they receive through various programs. &emsp;"We served about 95,000 meals last year," says Hart. "This is a really needed program and one that is really impacting the day-to-day lives of the people in Cheshire County." &emsp;Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services also offers many other programs designed to support residents throughout Cheshire County. Hart encourages anyone interested to attend their Walk-In Wednesday events, held every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m., in both their Keene and Peterborough offices. These sessions allow community members to meet with knowledgeable staff, learn about available programs, and connect with additional resources. &emsp;Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services is located at 312 Marlboro St. in Keene. The Peterborough office is at 454 Old Street Road, Medical Arts Building, Suite 208. For more information, visit hcsservices.org or call 352-2253. To donate, visit hcsservices.org/donate/.