Voluntary Action Center renovates Meals on Wheels office and kitchen

SYCAMORE – The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois recently renovated its Meals on Wheels office and kitchen to increase its food service operation’s efficiency.

The renovation began in 2023 and was assisted by the 3M DeKalb Corp.

“We have a remarkable staff that, despite the challenges of this aging facility, is dedicated to providing high-quality meals to meet the needs of so many,” VAC CEO Nate Kloster said in a news release. “To support their work through facility improvements is a priority.”

The corporation awarded a grant to the center to help increase its food service operation’s efficiency.

“We know that to continue to meet the growing need for our meals, we must focus on how we can become more efficient and increase capacity,” Kloster said. “This is particularly important as our Meals on Wheels program is showing unprecedented growth without comparable increases in funding. This growth is not just a number; it’s a testament to the increasing need in our community.”

The center also received a DeKalb County Community Foundation Community Needs Grant to fund the renovation. The renovation included adding kitchen equipment and preparing, repairing and remodeling the kitchen’s building.

“Thanks to the work of Irving Construction Co. and its subcontractors, we addressed the repair needed as they delved deeper into the project,” Voluntary Action Center COO and 3rd Ward city Alderman Tracy Smith said in the release.

Smith said Irving’s work added equipment and repairs needed to make the kitchen more efficient.

“In my experience, the largest expense in commercial kitchens is equipment,” Meals on Wheels cook Gustavo Lopez said in the release. “We are proud that Irving Construction is a part of this project and will be a part of the remarkable work of this kitchen.”

Kloster gave credit to contributions made by longtime supporters Joel and Helen Maurer and the George and Betty Dutton Family Foundation. Joel Maurer also spent time volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program and served on VAC’s board of directors.

“In 2015, VAC had to reduce Meals on Wheels service days due to a government shutdown,” VAC Chief Data Officer Ellen Rogers said in the release. “Irving introduced a challenge to the community by matching contributions to the program. This effort saved the program until government funding resumed.”

The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois has served the transportation and nutrition needs of the community through community transit, Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition since 1974.

”The generosity of these donors demonstrates our community’s long commitment to our Meals on Wheels program,” Kloster said. “This program is much more than a meal; it supports many who have helped shape our community. It’s about providing a lifeline for those in need and being a good neighbor.”