Smithfield Times Staff writer
Isle of Wight resident Carolyn Jones had a stroke last year. Since that time, getting to the grocery store and preparing meals has become an insurmountable task for her. That’s why she has meals delivered right to her home.
Each weekday around lunchtime, John Holladay of Suffolk Meals on Wheels drops by with two meals for Jones, one hot, like last Thursday’s meatloaf and potatoes, and a boxed one, typically a sandwich, and a salad, roll and drink.
“I wouldn’t want to be without my Meals on Wheels,” said Jones. “I depend on them.”
Jones is one of about four Isle of Wight residents who receive daily meals from Suffolk Meals on Wheels.
“I don’t think people realize we’re here,” said Holladay, who drives an 85-mile round trip route that includes Isle of Wight. Most of Suffolk Meals on Wheels nine daily routes cover the Suffolk area, but two cover areas in Isle of Wight, including Windsor, Smithfield and Carrollton.
“I think we’re one of the best-kept secrets,” said Roseland Worrell, executive director for Suffolk Meals on Wheels. The organization has been delivering in the Isle of Wight area for about a decade and in Smithfield for a couple of years, but Worrell said people still don’t realize Suffolk Meals on Wheels includes Isle of Wight County. She met with Smithfield Mayor Dave Hare and Town Manager Peter Stevenson recently to help spread the word.
“We want to expand our services in this area,” said Worrell.
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