Each day in Marin, hundreds of older adults receive not just nourishing meals through Meals on Wheels, Vivalon’s Nourish program, and the Vivalon Café—but also something much more profound: a friendly smile, a moment of connection, and the comfort of knowing that someone truly cares. One Meals on Wheels recipient summed it up best when they said, “The only people in the world who care about me are at Vivalon.”
This March, as part of the national March for Meals campaign, Vivalon is proud to celebrate the vital role nutrition programs play in the lives of older adults. It’s also a time to recognize the incredible volunteers who make it all possible. Through their unwavering dedication, Vivalon’s programs are more than just meals—they are lifelines that fight both hunger and isolation among the older adult population in Marin.
A Mission to End Older Adult Hunger and Isolation
For Erika Vaughn, Nutrition Services Program Manager at Vivalon, this work is more than a job—it’s a calling. Erika is driven by the mission to end hunger and loneliness among older adults in Marin, and her commitment is evident in everything she does. As she puts it,
“A blessing is waking up in the morning, and rolling out of bed because there’s something out there you love to do, that you believe in—something that’s bigger than you, and you can hardly wait to get at it again today.”
Her passion is reflected in the lives she touches every day. Erika recalls one instance that underscores the urgency of Vivalon’s mission:
“One Sunday, I got a call from someone while I was shopping at Walmart. She said, ‘Erika, I’m hungry. I need food today.’ I sat down right there in the store and filled out her application with her. The next day, she had meals delivered to her front door.”
This is not a rare occurrence—stories like this unfold every day at Vivalon. The organization’s meal programs ensure that older adults never have to wait for the nutrition they need. And if someone doesn’t qualify for Meals on Wheels, they’re immediately connected with Nourish, Vivalon’s home-delivered meal program. No one is ever left behind.
More Than Just a Meal: Building Connection
For many of Vivalon’s clients, a Meals on Wheels delivery is the highlight of their day. In addition to providing nutritious food, volunteers offer warmth, kindness, and a friendly check-in. As one client shared, “I wouldn’t have any food or anyone to talk to if it weren’t for you. I will never forget this.”
The impact of Vivalon’s programs goes both ways. Volunteers, too, feel the difference they’re making. Lee, a Meals on Wheels delivery driver, begins each day with a simple but powerful motto:
“Let’s deliver some meals, and let’s deliver some smiles. Let’s bring some happiness with our food today.”
Reflecting on his experience, Lee says, “Frankly, it makes my day.”
These volunteers, who go above and beyond, ensure that older adults feel seen, valued, and cared for. They are the heartbeat of this program, making it all possible.
Elected Officials Delivering Meals in Their Communities
This month, various elected officials in Marin County took part in this national initiative. Their support further highlights the importance of Vivalon’s meal programs and the mission to end hunger and isolation among older adults in the Marin community. Their involvement underscores the collective effort to ensure that no older adult goes without the care and nutrition they need. We want to express our deepest gratitude to:
- Mayor Lisel Blash of Farifax
- Supervisor Mary Sackett, District 1
- Councilmember Rachael Kertz of San Rafael
- Supervisor Eric Lucan, District 5
- Mayor Jane Cooper of Belvedere
- Mayor Stephen Burke of Mill Valley
- Mayor Tim O’Connor of Novato
- Councilmember Maika Llorens Gulati of San Rafael
- Supervisor Brian Colbert, District 2
- Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, District 4
“My morning with Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels team opened my eyes to the often “hidden world” of homebound seniors in our communities. I was touched by the compassion and support that Vivalon provides and by the appreciation of residents receiving support.”
– Mayor Stephen Burke of Mill Valley
“I’m so happy to have this program. The food is great and my health has improved. With balanced meals, I’ve even lost weight!”
– Angela, Meals on Wheels Client
“Vivalon and Meals on Wheels provide critical support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This essential service helps to ensure that people can access nutritious, high-quality meals when for many reasons they are challenged to do so for themselves. Sadly, this invaluable community service now faces funding challenges due to reductions in federal funding. In order to help ensure these critical services can continue, it’s essential that we as a community help to support them in their work.”
-Mayor Tim O’Connor of Novato
To view the photos from these deliveries with Marin County elected officials, click here.
Celebrating March for Meals
March is a time to celebrate the impact of Meals on Wheels and the role it plays in supporting older adults in our community. It’s also a reminder that we can all contribute to the mission in meaningful ways—whether by volunteering, spreading the word, making a donation, or simply checking in on a neighbor.
As Erika puts it,
“It’s not just delivering food. It’s the connection, support, love, and the sense of family. That’s who we are here at Vivalon.”
This March, let’s honor the mission of Meals on Wheels and all the incredible people—volunteers, staff, and supporters—who help ensure that no one in Marin goes hungry or feels alone.
Together, we can make a lasting difference.
Sign up to become a volunteer here.
To join Vivalon’s March for Meals, click here to donate.
