By Tom Ossa
West Nyack, NY – On a crisp Thursday morning, the hum of the car and soft clink of coolers created a rhythm as Sharon Martini, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Meals on Wheels Rockland, guided me through suburban streets. These deliveries—though routine on paper—are the culmination of a mission that has shaped Sharon’s life for nearly 13 years. “I absolutely love what I do,” she shared, her passion unmistakable. “I ooze Meals on Wheels. For me, it’s about serving older adults and keeping that human connection—sometimes it’s my own route I can’t quit.”
Her dedication is reflected in the recent numbers: 1,154 seniors impacted, 255,277 meals served, and 37,993 volunteer hours logged in 2024 alone.
Fresh, Tailored Nutrition and Friendship
Our first delivery—chicken parmesan with zucchini and pasta—was a vivid example of meals prepared with care. While we drove to our destination – Sharon described a kitchen crew arriving as early as 4 a.m. to prepare freshly peeled potatoes, chopped onions, and simmering sauces. The result is not institutional fare, but chef-crafted meals tailored to each individual. “Our house diet is low‑carb, low‑sodium, designed with any diabetic needs in mind,” she explained, “but we also accommodate kosher, vegan, pureed or cut meals for those with mobility or chewing challenges.”
The menu even changes seasonally and around holidays, reflecting sensitivity to cultural and health needs.
There’s a quiet urgency behind each delivery—many recipients receive no other human interaction all day. According to their 2023 report, 80% of clients say the MOW meal is their primary meal, and nearly 80% see their volunteer as the only person they talk to daily Meals on Wheels Rockland.
Our meeting with Elaine, age 94, brought that statistic to life: sharp-witted and humorous, she relied on our visit not just for food, but for company, laughter—and perhaps some additional well-afforded dignity.
Sharon emphasized that volunteers often go beyond the delivery—watering plants, bringing in mail, and offering emotional support. “Many invite clients to holiday dinners when they’d otherwise be alone,” she noted. “Their visits provide so much more than food—they bring hope.”
Volunteers & Partnerships: Minimal Time, Big Impacts
Meals on Wheels Rockland doesn’t operate in isolation. Alongside its Home Deliveries and Senior Activity Centers, the organization collaborates in Rockland Community Against Hunger (RCAH)—a coalition that recovered over 1 million pounds of food in 2024, delivering to 40 volunteer-run pantries across Rockland County. Another partner initiative, Magnolia Meals, which provides free food to cancer patients in Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen counties. These collaborations amplify impact, strengthen fundraising, and promote health equity.
Meals on Wheels Rockland runs 65 routes across the county—most can be completed in just an hour or so, making volunteering highly accessible. Routes are guided by a mobile app, and volunteers are trained to complete three essential tasks: deliver the meal, conduct a safety check, and if possible, offer some warm conversation.
Sharon shared the story of Dennis, a volunteer who noticed one client behaving unusually and reported it. Staff followed up—coordinating medical care that identified a serious urinary tract infection in the senior. Without that intervention, the outcome could have been tragic. “Our volunteers don’t just bring food—they literally save lives,” she said. These stories play out weekly and shape the lifeline that the program delivers.
The Organized Energy Behind It All
After our delivery routes, we returned to the commissary kitchen, and the energy is still tangible. Each day, by 9:30 a.m., 1,200 hot meals are prepared and sealed. The facility divides into zones: prep, portioning, and cold-side assembly. Volunteers pack cold trays—milk, bread, fruit—customized for dietary needs. The kitchen hums with music, conversations, and community spirit. Staff join volunteers brewing coffee, sweeping floors, and packaging Pantry Boxes or Miles of Smiles oral‑health kits. “There’s always something to do—and it’s always meaningful,” Sharon added.
While county support helps, the rest of funding comes through donations and fundraising. Their signature gala, Cornucopia, features live cooking and close-quarters dining with gourmet chefs, offering both fundraising and community awareness opportunities. Another springboard is the Rockland Music Fest – held annually, the organizers of this 11th annual event chose Meals on Wheels Rockland as their charitable recipient for their Sept 2025 concert, recognizing their 50 years of service (thus far).
These events are about more than dollars—they spread awareness of services among neighbors who might need help or want to volunteer. As Sharon said, awareness is everything—anyone listening might know someone who needs a meal or companionship.
An Ongoing Invitation
As the day closed, Sharon offered a final reflection: “Every meal matters—it’s nutrition, safety, companionship. And sometimes… it’s lifesaving.” She issued a heartfelt invitation: “If you have an hour to spare each week—or every other week—I’ll deliver with you. It will change your day. Maybe even your life.”
For anyone interested in volunteering, donating, or attending events like Cornucopia or Rockland Music Fest, visit mowrockland.org. In Rockland County, Meals on Wheels is more than meals—it’s a community of compassion, connection, and care.