52 Weeks of Charity

In the heart of New York City, where the hustle and bustle of urban life often overshadow the struggles of the marginalized, an organization stands as a beacon of hope, combating the trifecta of illness, malnutrition, and hunger.

God’s Love We Deliver, a non-profit organization, has been at the forefront of providing nutritious meals to individuals battling severe illnesses since 1985.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with the organization one blustery early January morning, helping pack hundreds of meals that would be delivered that day. The shift started at 6:30 am and as I made my way down to lower Manhattan, I took notice of this special, quiet, early morning time in the city.

The organization’s headquarters is a large building. We were in the meal packing warehouse section on the first floor. Right from the start the team overseeing the volunteers was extremely well-organized, energetic, friendly, and motivating. With music playing and lots of friendly chatter, we were brought on a mini tour of some key parts of the area we would be working in as the God’s Love We Deliver team shared safety information, process details, expectations, and lots of facts about the organization.

It was a very happy start to the day!

The Nexus of Illness, Malnutrition, and Hunger:

Illness, malnutrition, and hunger form an interlinked web, particularly for vulnerable populations. Individuals facing severe health challenges often experience a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to malnutrition and hunger. Conversely, malnutrition and hunger can exacerbate existing health conditions, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

In urban landscapes like New York City, where the cost of living is high, many individuals dealing with chronic illnesses find themselves grappling not only with the physical toll of their conditions but also with financial burdens that limit their access to proper nutrition.

As a result, a significant number of people end up malnourished or hungry, hindering their ability to fight the very illnesses that ail them.

God’s Love We Deliver: A Lifeline for the Afflicted:

God’s Love We Deliver understands the intricate connection between illness, malnutrition, and hunger. Founded during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the organization initially focused on delivering meals to those affected by this devastating disease. Over the years, its mission expanded to include individuals facing various life-altering illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.

The organization’s model is simple yet powerful: volunteers prepare and deliver nutritious, medically tailored meals directly to the doorsteps of clients. These meals are designed to meet the specific dietary needs of each individual, addressing the nutritional challenges associated with their illnesses. God’s Love We Deliver recognizes that proper nutrition is not only a basic human right but also a fundamental aspect of healthcare.

As their website states, “God’s Love seeks to ensure that the medically tailored meal intervention is part of the continuum of healthcare, broadly accessible to those who need it, and always of the highest quality.”

There is no income level or income restrictions to receiving meals. Anyone at any level of income can receive meals. Clients only need a diagnosis of serious illness and have difficulties with activities of daily living. 

A Community of Compassion:

The impact of God’s Love We Deliver extends beyond the nutritional support it provides. The organization fosters a sense of community and compassion, ensuring that clients feel seen and cared for in the midst of their health battles.

Volunteers not only deliver meals but also offer a moment of human connection and understanding, reducing the isolation that often accompanies chronic illnesses.

Gods Love We Deliver in Action:

To grasp the enormity of God’s Love We Deliver’s impact, one need only look at the numbers. The organization delivers over 2 million meals annually, serving thousands of clients across all five boroughs of New York City.

The meals are crafted in collaboration with registered dietitians and chefs, ensuring that they not only nourish the body but also bring joy to those in need.

Moreover, the organization has adapted to the changing landscape of healthcare, expanding its services to include nutrition counseling and educating clients on how to make healthy choices within the constraints of their medical conditions.

God’s Love We Deliver’s commitment to holistic well-being is a testament to its understanding that addressing illness, malnutrition, and hunger requires a multifaceted approach.

They partner with hospitals, health plans and other providers to address the needs of patients. And they engage in policy advocation  at local, state and national levels.

During our shift, we packed over 3,500 meals, including vegetarian options. The organization delivers over 13,000 meals a day.

Properly gloved, hair-cap fitted, and masked, we were each assigned stations where we placed Entrees, Soup, Salad and Dessert into packing bags. Each bag went to an individual. Individuals made specific choices for their meals online ahead of time and could ensure their meals met their dietary needs, such as low salt or sugar, and other restrictions. Each client’s needs were printed on a form, and we were given stacks of forms with specific meals to pack.

After organizing the meals for the individuals, they were packed into delivery boxes for specific trucks that were assigned specific drop-offs and neighborhoods throughout the 5 Boroughs of NYC. While our shift focused on organizing lunches and dinners, clients could also choose breakfasts. Over 10,000 volunteers a year help the organization.

It was a very busy and rewarding experience!

Conclusion:

In the face of illness, malnutrition, and hunger, God’s Love We Deliver serves as a shining example of compassion, resilience, and community support. By providing nourishing meals tailored to the specific needs of individuals battling severe illnesses, the organization not only addresses immediate nutritional challenges but also contributes to the overall well-being and dignity of its clients.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, God’s Love We Deliver stands as a reminder that a simple act of kindness, like delivering a nutritious meal, can have a profound impact on those facing the toughest of times.

If you’d like to learn more about God’s Love We Deliver, would like to volunteer, would like to sign up for meals, or make a donation, please visit their site at: www.glwd.org

XO XO Penny