By Brandon Seng
ConnectMichigan Alliance

“Nearly twenty years running, and we haven’t missed a meal,” explained Chef John Snyir as he readied yet another three course entree for delivery.  Snyir works at Eastern Michigan University, where he spends a good deal of his time preparing meals for delivery to shut-ins and elderly in the Ypsilanti area.

Through a long standing partnership between Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, college and community volunteers work to deliver nearly 300 healthy meals to those in their community that are unable to prepare meals themselves.  Meals are fully prepared at Eastern Michigan University, then boxed and delivered by Meals on Wheels, who take each meal, piping hot, door to door.

The partnership has connected EMU with their community.  “The program has become more than just delivering a meal,” explained Snyir.  “The people get to know the volunteers, and see a friendly face each day.”

The long standing partnership between EMU and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has generated many return customers and volunteers.  Virginia Baster is one of the many volunteers who has been with the program for more than 10 years.  Like all of those who work with the program, she enjoys spreading happiness and doing a good deed. 

“I continue to volunteer because I like helping people,” said Baster, the program’s most senior volunteer, who has been delivering meals for over 17 years.  “The people are what bring me back each year.”

Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels have built a partnership rich in history and brimming with pride.  With a mission set deeply in community need this partnership is a shining example of how a campus and community partners can collaborate to achieve mutual success through service.