For many homebound seniors across Jefferson County, lunchtime arrives with a Meals on Wheels delivery from volunteers and drivers.
Across the country, millions of seniors face food insecurity. In fact, one in six older adults struggles with hunger. Programs such as Meals on Wheels help ensure homebound seniors receive dependable meals while staying connected to their communities.
As United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) marks 10 years of managing the local Meals on Wheels program, Joe Young is one of the people who has been helping make that work happen – day in and day out.
From Retirement to a Meals on Wheels Route
Young spent more than 30 years working for BellSouth before retiring. Retirement, he said, was never meant to be spent sitting still. These days, he is more likely to be found behind the wheel of a Meals on Wheels delivery van.
Five days a week, Young delivers meals along routes that stretch across Birmingham and surrounding communities, bringing food to senior centers and pickup locations that serve homebound clients.
Each week, more than 5,000 meals are delivered to seniors who cannot easily leave their homes. Thanks to drivers such as Young, a dedicated staff and 687 volunteers who give their time, Meals on Wheels is able to make sure that no client is left without a meal.
Answering the Call to Serve
Young first got involved with Meals on Wheels in 2016 as a volunteer through his church. After spending time on the routes and seeing the impact firsthand, he decided he wanted to do more and asked if any full-time positions were available. He has now officially served as a Meals on Wheels Kitchen Aide and Driver for the past four years.
“Once I got involved with Meals on Wheels, it became a humbling experience for me,” Young said. “Just to go out to the number of people that we serve and to see the gratifying expression on their faces when we show up… in many instances, it may be the only meal that some people get all day.”
As someone who enjoys meeting people and striking up conversation, Young said the job gives him a chance to stay active while connecting with others in the community. But a warm meal is not the only thing Young delivers. Some of the seniors he visits have trouble getting around their homes. When that happens, he is happy to lend a hand — whether that means grabbing a walker from across the room or helping carry something to the table. Truly, small acts of kindness can mean a lot.
Both humbling and rewarding, 10 years of Meals on Wheels experience has enriched Joe Young’s life and provided a great sense of purpose in retirement from his long career. As he said,
“I would like people to know that Meals on Wheels and United Way are providing a very essential service to a lot of people.”
How to Volunteer
Meals on Wheels is always looking for volunteers to help deliver hot, noon-time meals to homebound seniors. To learn more about how to get involved, click here.