Start your engines: Meals in a Pinch drivers hit the road

Meals in a Pinch volunteer delivery drivers love the opportunity to begin new friendships, enjoy established relationships, and help in many ways. These volunteer drivers go above and beyond and say they receive much more than they give.  

Julie Moulton manages the many food-related Harpswell Aging at Home volunteers who choose recipes, grocery shop, cook, pack, label meals and get meals ready for delivery. Then the drivers arrive. 

Since last year, Jeff Wootan has been coordinating the meal delivery, which he organizes like an air traffic controller. Every other Friday, he sends emails to the drivers, gets responses, and on Sundays sends out schedules. Then something magical happens on Tuesday – the delivery!  Drivers pull up to Great Island Church of the Nazarene which provides its facilities for preparation.  They arrive in sequence every ten minutes, meals are carted to the vehicles, then drivers go off to deliver the meals. Wootan also drives a route and enjoys discussing an extensive range of topics with recipients. 

Meal delivery can be short or long term, and meals need to meet dietary preferences and concerns, so the lists and routes change.  There are many reasons some need a hand with meals.

Driver Wayne Cole takes notice of things at the houses he visits that might need attention and reports back. Wayne grew up in Maine skiing and playing pond hockey and therefore is experienced driving on backroads in the winter. Wayne says that his recipients are always upbeat and appreciative, no matter if they have health or other concerns. He feels drivers participate by being the “eyes and ears of (Harpswell Aging at Home).”  

Judy Arndt is a very new driver, anxious to get involved. She says delivering is “really rewarding” and she is “very glad to contribute to such a worthy cause!” Judy has been in Harpswell since she was born, and now enjoys life on Orr’s Island taking care of her dog and pet goats. As her route is the same each week, it becomes easy to find the homes of recipients.  Judy is getting to know the recipients on her route who are smiling, and welcoming. Judy’s advice to new drivers? It’s good to have a GPS; however, the list from Jeff includes good directions and house descriptions.  

Terri LaRussa has been a Meals in a Pinch driver for years. While delivering meals, Terri has many interesting talks with recipients, and sometimes their children. She has fun on her route in and around her own neighborhood. In 2023 Terri had a shoulder injury and the tide reversed – she became the recipient of cards and well wishes from those to whom she usually delivers meals.  

Hollie Vanderzee has volunteered for HAH in many different capacities. Always willing to help, she frequently picks up needed items for recipients if they are alone or ill, or tells them about other HAH programs of interest. Hollie finds that most recipients still drive; however, that does not prevent delivery of food. She loves visiting as she delivers meals – “it lets them know we care.”  

Drivers John Anthony, Carol Drake, Ken Drake, Cheryl Dunning, Parny Hagerman, Martha Isreal, Jim Laughren, Malcolm McFarland, Julie Moulton, Peg Orlando, and Robin Venditti Stoll complete this amazing team.

Jeff Wootan, techie support and route guy, says currently there is an important need for substitute drivers. Please contact Jeff at jwootan@zonapower.com if you have a desire to volunteer.