Meals on Wheels recipients grateful for food during winter storm

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — ABC 57 News was able to ride along with Crystal Hallwood, Director of Transportation and Nutrition for Meals on Wheels and see the direct impact on the community.

In big bold letters, the word "faith" hangs high on the wall in Eunice Fincher's living room.

ABC 57 was welcomed into the home of Eunice Fincher, a recipient of Meals on Wheels for nearly four years. Fincher says she's always had and has held on to her faith, especially after she had strokes that impacted her vision. Now, she's legally blind.

"You have your own life, and you do everything and then all of a sudden to go back and depend on someone. It's very hard at first," said Fincher.

She was told she couldn't cook anymore, yet another challenge to overcome. However, she didn't have to overcome it alone. Along with family support, she receives food from her local Meals on Wheels. Rain, shine, snow, Fincher says she's grateful for those who get out in the worst conditions to make sure she doesn't go hungry.

"I give thanks to Meals on Wheels for all their attention."

Fincher shared this is more than a food delivery service, she's building relationships with the people who come to her house and prays for their safety as they get back on the road to serve others in the community.

Trekking through a few snow-covered driveways Monday morning was Crystal Hallwood, Director of Transportation and Nutrition for REAL Services, Inc. which runs the Meals on Wheels.

"We are essential workers." Hallwood explained.

Hallwood says her and her team understand the responsibility they have to make sure people get their meals, especially in dangerous weather conditions.

"The idea of somebody sitting at home and not getting a meal is heartbreaking, so we want to make sure that we rise to the occasion, that we're safe while we're doing it, but that we're doing everything we can to take care of the people in our community."

Hallwood and her team, made up of staff and volunteers, leave their homes earlier and make sure to lay out plenty of salt so that it's also safe for them to do their job.

According to Hallwood, a typical route can run around an hour and a half, which includes "coming into our kitchen, getting the meals that are needed, reviewing your route, delivering them, and then coming back to the kitchen."

She says nothing will stop her, her staff or her volunteers from making sure they can help out a neighbor.