The Wheels Keep on Turning

For nearly 50 years, Meals on Wheels volunteers have delivered affordable, nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Elkhart. Supporting this important service—preparing meals five days a week for dozens of people—is a point of pride for Elkhart General Hospital.

“It makes a difference in our lives knowing that we can prepare healthy meals to help a part of the population who needs assistance acquiring and preparing nutritious foods,” says Sami Kauffman, MA, RD, CD, Clinical Nutrition Manager.

Over 50 dedicated volunteers help assemble and deliver meals, made by Elkhart General cooks, to 80 clients in the area, says Robin Richard, Meals on Wheels
coordinator.

Keeping up with culinary trends is part of the effort. Sami recently developed new carbohydrate and sodium-controlled meals for the program. Since most seniors tend to experience some loss of taste, keeping the meals tempting can be a challenge.

“Jason Oppenheim, our executive chef, has done a great job of introducing more spices into the meals and then listening to the feedback from the clients about what they enjoyed,” Sami explains. “Good food is in the eye and taste of the beholder, therefore listening to constructive criticism is a specialty of the chef today,” Jason says. “It is how we can improve cooking and programs like Meals on Wheels. We are only as good as our last meal.”

The volunteers serve an important role in making sure all is well with their clients, too. “Meals on Wheels helps to alleviate some of the worry or concern family members may have in regards to their elderly parents,” says Robin. “The program not only provides a nutritious meal or two each day, but sends someone to their loved one’s doorstep to smile, say hello and quietly check on them.”

Elkhart General staff members experience joy in giving back to the community.

“I am honored to serve the members of our community in such a capacity that provides not only nourishment, but hopefully a bit of excitement to their day,” says Jason.

Thanks to these Elkhart General Hospital associates who keep Meals on Wheels rolling smoothly:
Beth Bowles
Mike Ewing
Mike Garcia
Ramona Harper
Sami Kauffman
Jason Oppenheim
Billy Rice
Robin Richard
John Thompson

Like to drive and help people?
Volunteer drivers are always needed, especially during the winter months. To learn more about how you can help, contact Robin at 574.523.3399 or email rrichard@
beaconhealthsystem.org.