Kane County “Meals on Wheels" Volunteers Deliver More Than Just Food
Lynn and Nancy are among the dozens of dedicated volunteers for the Kane Senior Council (KSC), the Nutrition Provider in Kane County that provides Home Delivered Meals, commonly referred to as “Meals on Wheels." The two sisters, both retired, have spent the last five years delivering prepared meals to as many as ten homes weekly—building meaningful connections along the way.
“We become close to the people on our route," Lynn shared. “They become like family." 
Nearly 83,000 residents—16% of Kane County's population—are over the age of 65, and many face food insecurity, mobility challenges, or social isolation. “Meals on Wheels" is provided through funding through the Older Americans Act and is available to seniors over 60. The program is donation based.
Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog was recently invited to join Lynn and Nancy on their weekly route to see firsthand how the program works, understand its benefits, and meet the volunteers who make it possible.
“As the County's aging population continues to grow, outreach like “Meals on Wheels" becomes more and more critical," said Chairman Pierog. “Many seniors live alone or lack social connection, with fewer people to rely on, even if family is nearby."
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation among older adults is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and cognitive decline. The U.S. Census Bureau reports older adults are projected to outnumber children by 2034—the first time in American history that will be the case. Nearly 12,000 baby boomers turn 60 each day.
“We know we may be their only human contact that day," said Lynn.
Each week, the sisters' route takes about an hour, and they make it work despite any hurdles. “They are just so surprised when there's three feet of snow and we are at their door right on time," Nancy said. They are also keenly aware when something may be wrong with the people they serve and are ready to report any concerns directly to Kane Senior Council for follow-up.
In Kane County in 2024, KSC served approximately 2,620 seniors, delivered 195,000 meals, completed 138,500 wellness checks, and provided 31,500 instances of health education. Additionally, 85% of every dollar given to KSC goes directly to services that support the seniors they serve.
“I know the people are very thankful to us, but I'm equally thankful to them for brightening my day," said Lynn.
As Chairman Pierog accompanied the “Meals on Wheels" delivery, the impact of the volunteers doing a Well Being Check was evident. One recipient had a cut on her foot and was encouraged to seek medical help. At another home, a daughter stepped out to share that her mother was in hospice, and the volunteers gently expressed their support. Not every story is somber—one client, 100 years old and living independently, chatted about the beauty of the day and how green the grass was.
“At every stop, one thing was clear to me: the meals matter—but the kindness and the connection matter just as much," said Chairman Pierog.
Since 2018, the Kane Senior Council has delivered meals and provided daily socialization to home bound older adults throughout the county. But its roots go deeper, tracing back to the DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC), founded in 1975. Since the end of 2021, DSCC/KSC has experienced a 60 percent increase in the number of older adults receiving their services in both DuPage and Kane Counties.
Right now, KSC is urgently seeking volunteers in the Tri-Cities, Aurora, Elgin, and Carpentersville. The Council is also looking for a location in Aurora to use as a distribution site for volunteers to pick up meals and then deliver into the surrounding area. Work is also underway to establish a pet pantry to help seniors feed their furry companions.
To learn more about the services KSC offers, how to volunteer, or how to support their mission, visit https://www.kaneseniorcouncil.org.
Kane Senior Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to improving the quality of life for seniors across Kane County.
