Local Organization Spotlight: Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois

This Patch article is sponsored by Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Andrea Proulx Buinicki, Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois (MOWFNI).

Patch: Tell us a bit about your organization:
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois is dedicated to helping older adults live independently and safely in the homes they love. We provide nutritious, home-delivered meals and run Community Cafes to combat isolation. At our core, we are a community-powered safety net. We absolutely love our clients, and our goal is to ensure that every single older adult we serve feels valued, cared for, and connected to their community.

Patch: How long has your organization been around in the community?
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: We have been proudly serving older adults since the 1970s. Over the decades, we have delivered millions of meals, growing alongside our towns to ensure that no senior is left hungry or forgotten.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: I have always believed that the true heart of a community is found in how it treats its elders. What drew me to Meals on Wheels is the profound, beautiful relationship between our volunteer drivers and our clients. I wanted to lead an organization where "going to work" means facilitating thousands of moments of joy, comfort, and human connection every single day across our region.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to volunteers?
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: To our neighbors looking for a way to give back, my advice is simple: Give us just two hours a week, and it will become the best part of your schedule. People often think volunteering requires a massive time commitment, but becoming a volunteer meal delivery driver fits seamlessly into a lunch break or midday routine. It’s a small investment of time that yields an immeasurable return in personal fulfillment.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: The most satisfying part of my job is seeing just how incredibly fulfilling it is to be a volunteer driver. Our drivers frequently tell me that they started volunteering to "do a good deed," but they keep coming back because of the genuine friendships they’ve formed with our clients. Witnessing a driver return from their route with a glowing smile, sharing a story about a laugh or a meaningful moment they just shared with a senior, is the ultimate reward. It proves that joy goes both ways.

Patch: How would you say your organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: What sets us apart is that our entire mission is built on a foundation of affection for our clients. We don’t just drop off food; we deliver a warm smile, a friendly chat, and a wellness check. Because of this, our work is quite literally impossible without volunteer drivers. Our drivers are the eyes, ears, and heart of MOWFNI. Right now, the need for our services is growing rapidly, and we need more local drivers to step up, grab a route, and help us ensure none of our beloved seniors are left waiting.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your organization?
Andrea Proulx Buinicki: If you want to experience the incredible fulfillment of brightening a senior's day, we would love to welcome you to our volunteer driver family. You can learn more and fill out a quick, simple application at mowfni.org/volunteer. You can also connect with us on Facebook or call us directly at (312) 207-5290. We can't wait to hit the road with you!