Food has a way of bringing people together—it’s more than just sustenance; it’s a spark for connection, conversation, and community. At United Hebrew’s Soundview Senior Apartments in New Rochelle, four remarkable women are using this simple truth to bring their neighbors together.

Carol Mirable, Roseann Vitti, Elsie Cusack, and Patricia Hunt are the heart and soul of a volunteer effort that goes far beyond distributing fresh produce. Through their dedication, creativity, and compassion, they’ve turned grocery deliveries into opportunities for connection, shared learning, and joy, all while embodying United Hebrew’s mission to help older adults thrive.

Compassion in Action

Food insecurity is a growing problem. According to Feeding America, the rate of hunger among seniors aged 60 and older has increased by 45 percent since 2001, with projections suggesting that more than eight million seniors may face food insecurity by 2050. This group of dedicated volunteers is doing what they can to combat this troubling trend.

For the past five years, the "Soundview Seniors" have been integral to the success of a partnership with Feeding Westchester, ensuring fresh produce reaches more than 130 residents of United Hebrew’s senior apartments.

Every month, they spend countless hours organizing, sorting, and distributing food. They’ve taken the initiative to create a phone list for residents who need a reminder and ensure neighbors who are homebound or recovering from illness receive their groceries, creating a personal touch that goes beyond simply delivering essentials.

Their work doesn’t stop there. These women inspire a sense of camaraderie by turning delivery days into social events. It’s no surprise that residents now eagerly anticipate these monthly distributions, which have become a cornerstone of community life.

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A Recipe for Wellness and Friendship

Each volunteer brings unique qualities that make this team truly special, blending leadership, creativity, and compassion to elevate their efforts.

“My neighbors aren’t all mobile and don’t always know how to prepare fresh foods,” explains Mirable. She channels her passion for teaching into leading mini cooking demonstrations, helping residents try new ingredients and learn creative ways to prepare nutritious meals.

Taking this concept to the next level, the group organized a visit from local celebrity chef Francisco Maldonado, who created a dish using fresh ingredients from one of the grocery deliveries — Iron-Chef style. “The smells, sounds, and interactive sights were incredible,” says Vitti. “It was so educational. When someone says, ‘I don’t know how to use this food,’ we show them how easy it can be.”

Through cooking tutorials, creative recipe sharing, and food prep support, they’ve inspired residents to try new, healthy foods like avocados, strawberries, and seasonal vegetables, while teaching easy ways to prepare meals from monthly deliveries.

This hands-on approach enhances residents' nutrition and expands their confidence in the kitchen, helping stretch limited grocery budgets with fresh ingredients and simple recipes. “Some people are barely getting by,” says Cusack. “Extra cucumbers and a smile make a huge difference. If someone is having a bad morning, this service turns it around. Everyone goes away happy and healthy.”

Living the Mission

Why do these women volunteer their time to help? Connecting with people is at the heart of it all. “I moved to Soundview after the pandemic,” notes Cusack. “At first, I experienced feelings of isolation.” She was motivated by the opportunity to foster new friendships. Through this volunteer work, she can help to ensure each resident feels valued and connected. Vitti and Hunt share this dedication, offering kind words and steadfast support to uplift their neighbors.

While helping to address access to fresh food, these women have created a culture of togetherness and resilience. Through their efforts, residents have embraced healthier cooking and formed deeper connections with their neighbors.

As a team, they exemplify United Hebrew’s mission to enhance the health and quality of life for older adults. They remind us that a simple act of service, performed with love and dedication, can ripple out to create a lasting, positive impact.

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