Delivering food and friendship

Addressing hunger and isolation among older adults

In rain, snow or sunshine, once a month HUB International insurance agency employees head out to help deliver more than 500 meals to older and homebound adults around Casper, Wyoming. They do this for the Natrona County Meals on Wheels program, which the agency has supported through volunteerism and donations for over 10 years.

As one of the 5,000 community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the U.S., the Natrona County program is committed to addressing the escalating issues of hunger and isolation among older adults.

According to Meals on Wheels, 10 million older adults are threatened by or experience hunger due to decreased appetites, mobility issues and prescription medicine costs, among other causes. With 12,000 Americans turning 60 every day, there is growing demand for programs like Meals on Wheels.

In addition to a hot, healthy meal, Meals on Wheels volunteers provide other critical services, such as assessing a client’s well-being, identifying potential safety issues in the home and, most importantly, providing a much-needed social connection.

“The time our volunteers spend with our clients is incredibly important,” said Jamie Loveall, executive director of the Natrona County Meals on Wheels. “These friendly visits help our clients feel less alone and provide peace of mind to their families, who want to ensure their loved ones are safe and well.”

“These friendly visits help our clients feel less alone and provide peace of mind to their families, who want to ensure their loved ones are safe and well.”
— Jamie Loveall, executive director of the Natrona County Meals on Wheels

Wheels down, ready to serve

Sixteen employees, nearly half of the HUB International staff, volunteer regularly to support the Natrona County Meals on Wheels program. The nonprofit became the agency’s charitable focus due to the involvement of married HUB International employees Wendy and Dave Elmer and their coworker Jennifer Deurloo. Today, Jennifer and Wendy serve on the organization’s board of directors, where Wendy is vice president.

The agency provides staff members paid time off to volunteer and encourages clients and community members to join them in supporting Meals on Wheels, including through Bubbles, Baubles, and Beans — an annual fundraising event sponsored by HUB International.

But it is during their monthly, designated Friday delivery route — the busiest of the week as they also drop off weekend meals — where their efforts, time and smiles make an immediate and positive difference in the lives of older adults.

“Taking the time to sit and talk with these wonderful community members during deliveries is so special and rewarding,” said Gary Schild, HUB Gives regional coordinator of HUB International Mountain States. “Amazing memories are made every month.”

“Taking the time to sit and talk with these wonderful community members during deliveries is so special and rewarding.”
— Gary Schild, HUB Gives regional coordinator of HUB International Mountain States

Make more meals happen

A Make More Happen Award from Liberty Mutual, Safeco Insurance and State Auto will help Natrona County Meals on Wheels offset their $75,000 in monthly food costs and purchase emergency meals to ensure their clients have food when the weather is too dangerous for deliveries.

Help HUB International win $10,000 for Natrona County Meals on Wheels by clicking the vote button. Earn them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below.