MARLBOROUGH – Inside the Walker Community Center on Main Street, lunch was waiting to be delivered.
The stacks of single-serving, covered trays for Feb. 27 contained chicken sautéed with vegetables, spinach and jasmine coconut rice, along with fruit, milk and dessert. They were loaded into insulated bags then hauled into a waiting area near a back entrance.
Drivers took these bags and delivered these meals to dozens of elderly residents in Marlborough and vicinity.
One of these drivers, Beth Keller of Hudson, was about to make her daily visit to her 18 clients.
They are among the 90-100 residents served by Springwell each weekday.
“I love it … it’s the same route every day,” said Keller, who’s been a Springwell driver for 2 ½ years. “It’s very rewarding to see them every day.”
While she went on her way, a potential volunteer stopped by the center. She took advantage of an open house hosted by Springwell to learn more about the program. She asked Springwell’s Dalia Cohen about the meals, what happens on weekends, where the funding comes from.
“So much is going on in a very short time,” said Cohen.
Each day, Springwell gets in touch with the caterers, including Trio and Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center Inc. Different meals are prepared – up to 2,000 per day.
Each meal provides one-third of the daily recommended nutritional value. There are also meals suited to those with medical needs or cultural preferences.
Meals are then sent to 15 sites, including Marlborough. There the meals are kept warm (or desserts, cold). The daily order is then packed and distributed by site staff, drivers and volunteers.
“It takes a lot of coordination,” said Beth Eliot Schultz, the chief community engagement officer for Springwell, which is based in Waltham.
While some meals are “grab and go,” most meals are delivered to those unable to leave their homes on a regular basis.
“We try and combine some social connection,” said Schultz. “It’s so much more than a meal. The home delivery driver is often the only person they see all day.”
“It makes you feel good, and it’s great to give back,” said Keller.
In 2023, 525,000 meals were prepared and delivered, including grab-and-go options, to sites throughout MetroWest and Greater Boston, according to Schultz.
Although the home delivered meals are free, recipients are encouraged to make a voluntary donation of $3 per regular or therapeutic meal, and $3.50 for kosher meals.
Funding for this program comes from federal, state and private sources, as well as donations.
She said that Springwell could always use more drivers; she would also like to meet with local faith communities to “adopt a route.”
Want to be a driver?
Openings are available for part- and full-time drivers.
Applicants must be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for at least one weekday; be able to lift up to 20 pounds; be 18 years of age or older; have a reliable vehicle with a current driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Applicants should also know the area, and will be subject to a CORI and driver’s record check.
If interested, or for more information, contact Allen Buteau, assistant nutrition director for Springwell, at 617-972-5653, or email [email protected].
