ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wayne Williams, a former chef at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, has been receiving Meals on Wheels for about a year. After retiring in 2019 and becoming legally blind, he signed up for the program to help with his daily meals.

Williams said he misses his time in the kitchen. “Well, I miss it. Yeah, I miss it dearly,” Williams said.

Williams navigates his home using carefully placed objects on the floor. He said he covers his kitchen appliances to avoid dust. “Yes, I just cover them up because I don’t like to get dust in where I eat,” Williams said.

Living alone for most of his adult life, Williams appreciates the Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver food to him. “The nutrients and everything I get, that I don’t do for myself. I don’t cook as much as I used to so now the Meals on Wheels picks up and it does a great job,” Williams said.

The volunteers and his building manager provide him with companionship. He says he doesn’t like to take up too much of their time, but it’s clear from the food stocked in his kitchen that he’s well cared for.

Williams believes in helping others. “My job on earth is to help other people. If you eat, breathe and move, you deserve respect. I don’t have to know who you are,” Williams said.

Despite his challenges, Williams remains self-sufficient. He shovels sidewalks for his neighbors and visits the Dollar Tree when the weather is nice. He credits the Meals on Wheels volunteers and others who bring him clothes with keeping him “out of trouble” and motivated.

Meals on Wheels is not covered by Medicare or most private insurance plans. However, financial aid is available for those unable to shop or prepare their own meals or for people with chronic medical conditions or financial constraints.

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