Hot Meals for PebbleCreek Homeowners – Larry Cervarich Gets It Done!
Mr. Larry Cervarich, a resident of PebbleCreek and a former Oregon restaurateur learned of the increasing hunger issues among seniors in 2016. Larry founded Meals of Joy, combining his restaurant experience and previous volunteer work with another meal program. He put together a senior meal program with the help of a chef, volunteers, and the free use of a local church kitchen. Larry was determined to serve freshly cooked hot meals directly from the kitchen to his clients, unlike other senior programs. Word spread in the West Valley, and meal volume grew to almost 36,000 meals in 2021, with 50,000 projected for 2022.
About Meals of Joy
Over 70 volunteer drivers and kitchen personnel deliver meals five days a week. Plus, a second church kitchen, Church of Litchfield Park, helps to meet the growing demand. Volunteers pack the meals in insulated hot packs as well as fresh salads in cold packs. The selections vary every week and range from turkey with dressing and mashed potatoes, roast beef in gravy with fresh vegetables, spaghetti and meatballs, to pork chops or chicken, etc. Homemade chili and cornbread are very popular during certain times of the year.
Meals of Joy is available to everyone in PebbleCreek—everyone. Whether you are busy, tired, dislike grocery shopping, or looking for variety without doing the work—Meals of Joy will work for you. And while helping yourself, you are helping others! When you purchase the standard meal (which includes a hot entree, salad, and fruit), a portion goes to help subsidize a free meal program. Of the 36,000 meals delivered last year, one-third were free!
Therefore, if you crave a home-cooked meal delivered to your door, peruse the flexible meal options at Meals of Joy. Contact Meals of Joy at 623-594-9588 for more information.
Written by: John Pugsley
The Arizona retirement community, PebbleCreek, is full of opportunities for social connection and wellness. Learn more about the active lifestyle at PebbleCreek here!
