Every weekday in Lake County, our team delivers hot, dietitian-approved meals to 800 homebound seniors. But it’s more than nourishment — it’s companionship, well-being checks and a lifeline for people facing isolation, health challenges and food insecurity.
Stepping the role of director of senior meals and nutrition at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago four years ago has taught me how critical these meals and these visits are — especially for people who can’t leave their homes on their own, can’t cook for themselves, or don’t have family to support them. Even when it’s 20 degrees below zero, our drivers keep hot meals hot and spirits warm, forming relationships born of compassion and trust.
Being isolated can lead to loneliness and depression. I’m filled with tears of happiness when I think about the joy we’re bringing people as we feed them. Our drivers have relationships with our seniors, so it’s important for us to have compassionate, loving, caring, diligent people on our staff.
Sometimes, these visits can be a matter of life and death for seniors facing medical issues and depression, and that’s why it’s so important that our drivers are there to bring them meals, do well-being checks, look after them and connect them to resources if their home is in disarray or they need caregiving services.
Participants in our home-delivered meal program are 60 years or older, homebound, and often manage medical conditions. Each weekday, year-round, they receive one hot meal, along with a cold lunch. Menus are catered by Maravela’s Banquets & Catering in Fox Lake.
I’ve helped our drivers deliver meals and understand what challenges they face day to day, particularly during inclement weather. It’s life-changing to be able to get the meal to each person we serve, no matter what the conditions are. Some days, we’re the only people they see.
One hot day this past June, our driver found her frail client who suffered from dementia wandering alone two blocks from home and guided them home. That hot meal wasn’t just food — it was a lifesaving connection. This program sounds simple, but you need to have a relationship with the seniors we serve. We see them. If they need us, we’re here for them.
In addition to our home-delivered meals, we host congregate meals for seniors regularly throughout Lake County. Catholic Charities provides healthy, nutritious meals and a sense of community. Seniors gather, eat, commiserate, laugh, do puzzles, join raffles and enjoy an uplifting event. We’re so glad they’re there.
Seniors who participate stimulate their minds, find comfort in the presence of peers, enjoy meeting younger staff who smile, ask how they are and if they’re enjoying their meal — it’s a beautiful event to witness.
I know how important the work we do is to the seniors we serve. Every day, my team helps older adults age in place with dignity. I love being part of a team of compassionate individuals who embrace their roles in supporting seniors. Together, we provide not only nutrition but also keep people connected — making sure they know we’re here, we see them, and they continue to matter to us and are a vital part of our community.