In 1968, Virginia C. Baker started cooking meals in her kitchen and delivering them to her Littleton neighbors in need. 58 years later, her legacy continues through Littleton's Nourish Meals on Wheels, which cooks and delivers 650-800 each weekday to older adults.
Nourish is a member of the national Meals on Wheels America organization, but operates independently. They deliver hot, fresh, healthy meals made from scratch daily while also nourishing the souls of older adults.
“Those connections and relationships are almost more valuable to them than the food,” Gayle Melges, Director of Operations, says. One in three older adults is isolated from contact with others. Executive Director Nancy Falk explains, “Sometimes that is the only connection they have, and they really look forward to our visit. We combat both food insecurity and isolation.”
In the AARP Foundation-funded research done at Brown University, researchers discovered that home-delivered meals provide benefits beyond nutrition, with daily delivery and face-to-face interaction being particularly meaningful. Meal recipients experienced greater improvements in feelings of isolation, and reported feeling less loneliness.
68-year-old Kim has multiple sclerosis: “I’ve never really had anyone care for me as you do. You make sure I have something to eat and someone to talk to. It’s more than bringing me a meal; you’re just family to me.”
Nourish ensures everyone receives a piece of birthday cake, a card, and a small gift on their birthday. One 92-year-old woman told a volunteer, “You are the only one who remembered my birthday this year.”
Two years ago, it expanded into Douglass County. “Part of moving into that county was already knowing that the need was there. Many older adults were relying solely on food banks, and there was a waiting list just to get services,” Nancy explains.
In Parker, Nourish delivers meals to residents on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the goal to deliver five days a week as they add volunteers.
“Nourish's greatest need in Parker right now is volunteers. It’s a great opportunity for Parker residents, and our website lists a variety of opportunities. Whether you have a little time or a lot,” Nancy smiles.
Nourish is funded through the generosity of individuals, community groups, local businesses, grants from foundations and county governments, and fundraising events. The Parker Chamber Foundation was proud to present Nourish Meals on Wheels with a grant this year to help support their incredible mission right here in our community.
Older adults are an important part of every community, and Nourish helps them remain connected, supported, and independent in the places they call home.
Visit NourishMealsonWheels.org.
"You make sure I have something to eat and someone to talk to. It's more than bringing me a meal; you're family to me."