Mary Kenyon was looking for something to do after she retired. In 2021 she got curious about Meals on Wheels and did research. She discovered that the communities in eastern Garfield County did not have a food home delivery program for home-bound senior citizens. Nothing. Senior meals were served at community sites in Glenwood Springs and Carbondale one to two days per week, but nothing for home delivery. So she created one!
Kenyon founded Valley Meals and More which “supports the wellness of older adults living in eastern Garfield County by providing nourishing daily meals” and much more. She is its executive director and proud to be connecting with older adults who truly need and appreciate a daily meal and check in.
What sets Valley Meals and More apart? There are four main aspects of the program that highlight its impact:
- Nourishment & Connection: Every meal brings more than food - a friendly smile, a quick chat, and a daily wellness check that brighten the day and ease isolation.
- Nutritious & Appealing Meals - Meals are crafted to be both nourishing and delicious, with presentation that delights the eyes as much as the taste buds. They are prepared and packaged by Sodexo staff at CMC Spring Valley.
- Freedom Without Fuss - The program provides essential support at no cost to the older adult, helping them age safely, independently, and with dignity while giving their families peace of mind.
- Volunteers Who Care - More than 65 volunteers bring more than meals; they deliver kindness, connection, and a reminder that no one in our community is truly alone. Volunteers provide over 4,900 hours per year delivering food and checking on their clients.
Each meal costs $10.25. The cost to feed one client four meals per week for a full year is $2,912. Donations and grants fund the program. 40% of the funding comes from donors. Program sponsors/grant support comes from The Colorado Trust, Colorado State Unit on Aging, Sodexo, and Project Angel Heart.
In addition to meals delivered to individuals at home, Valley Meals and More offers a Congregate Meal program at three locations in eastern Garfield County where older adults share a healthy meal with others as well as socialize and connect. The Parade of Produce held every other Wednesday is made possible by the Colorado Trust and gives older adults access to fresh fruits and vegetables free of charge.
Meals are delivered four days per week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. They are substantial and generous so that clients often use them for both their lunch and dinner. Valley Meals and More delivered over 26,400 meals in 2025 to 240 older adult clients.
Clearly the success of Valley Meals has demonstrated the need for such a program. As “real” retirement beckons to Mary, she is looking to local municipalities to maintain the program, as well as solidify sustainable funding sources. so no vulnerable older adult goes hungry or forgotten.
To learn more about the program or ways you can support their important work, please visit the Valley Meals and More website where you can also make a donation.