One of our widowed neighbors used to leave a voicemail each week to say thank you. She was thankful for the deliveries that NOURISH sent her when she was unable to get food and basic needs on her own due to health constraints. She named the assistants by name each time she called. (She calls us her adopted children and grandchildren Lol). She is especially thankful for the snacks we send. She says, “old people don’t have anything to do but sit around and eat snacks.” She fills up the time allotment for the message, but we don’t mind. It’s nice to know that our work at NOURISH is of value and that she is being taken care of. She misses her husband and we know that she is eating healthy food- including the balanced two-component snacks that she loves so much.
The best thing is that because of “Grandma B” who absolutely loves her snacks – including tuna, whole grain crackers, juice boxes with the little straws attached, and other items in small quantities- we became more aware of what seniors wanted and needed in order to thrive. We worked even harder and became more intentional about making those senior needs a reality. In May 2025, through partnership with University of St. Thomas’ Community Engagement Initiative and Professor Hansen’s Master’s Level Management & Strategic Sourcing Class NOURISH formed a partnership with Trader Joe’s Saint Paul that has allowed us to add an extra day of distribution specifically for community seniors and the immunocompromised. We call it the Sunday Hour of Power! All the food is fresh and organic. There are no long lines.
Today “Grandma” is 93 years young. She doesn’t send a list every week. However, at NOURISH we keep the list in our heads and if by chance we come across “boxes of juice with the straws attached….” one is always set aside especially for Grandma.
Seniors (65 and older) and immunocompromised individuals may visit our NOURISH Hour of Power shopping experience on Sundays, 12:30-1:30p.m. No appointment is necessary.