God’s Love We Deliver, New York City’s only nonprofit provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition services to individuals with life-altering illnesses, is ramping up efforts this holiday season for its clients and their families. Since 1985, the organization has offered free individually-tailored meals and nutrition counseling, extending its services to clients’ children and caregivers — without ever having a waiting list.
As the holidays approach, God’s Love We Deliver is preparing to distribute 18,000 Thanksgiving feasts in November and another 18,000 special winter feasts in December. These large-scale meal deliveries are made possible through months of planning, cooking and the dedication of staff and volunteers.
The organization’s holiday program includes a few extra touches as well. Families will receive a Thanksgiving gift tote with snacks, a dental care kit, a personal care bag and holiday gifts for everyone in the household. For winter meals, clients will also receive a special gift as a surprise for their children.
This initiative is part of the organization’s ongoing mission to ensure high-quality meal delivery and support for those facing significant health challenges, especially during the holiday season.
A powerful example of the impact God’s Love We Deliver has on its clients is the story of Bobby Keane, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.
Meet Bobby Keane
“I joined the Marines right out of high school,” says Bobby. “I felt I had one foot on my skateboard and one in the grave, and figured I had to do something to get my life on track.”
Despite joining during peacetime, his experience was shaped by the devastating Beirut barracks bombing in 1983, which killed 241 service members, including 220 Marines, leaving Bobby with enduring challenges and PTSD. “It really traumatized me,” Bobby recalls.
While he was in the service, Bobby boxed for the All-Marine Team. “Being fit and eating the right thing was paramount,” he says. “If you didn’t make weight, they’d send you back to your unit.”
Bobby’s service and time with the All-Marine Team instilled a lifelong commitment to fitness and nutrition, which later brought him to God’s Love We Deliver. After his mother-in-law became a client, Bobby was impressed by the quality of the meals she received.
“I loved the meals as soon as I tried them,” he says. Inspired by his experience, Bobby joined the organization’s CONNECTED, a program for U.S. Military Veterans, which provides not only medically tailored meals but also community-building and personalized outreach.
At his last checkup, Bobby’s doctor had high praise: “Whatever you’re eating, stick to it, because it’s working.” Bobby has noticed improvements beyond his physical health, saying that even his mental capacity has improved. The organization’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionists have played a key role in tailoring meals to his preferences and ensuring he feels supported through CONNECTED.
Speaking about the good that God’s Love We Deliver can do for others, Bobby says, “I’m not just preaching to sell the meals; I’m preaching what has happened to me. I’ve been eating the meals for the last three years, and my weight has stabilized, and my blood pressure and cholesterol are perfect. My wife and I are very happy.”
“In terms of my PTSD,” he says, “everyone is dealing with their own demons and trying to fight their own battles. Your diet shouldn’t be one of them. It should be a part of the solution. God’s Love meals are going to give you peace of mind that you can have your meals and not stress out and worry about what you are going to eat or how you are going to feel.”
This holiday season, you can make a difference. If you or someone you know is struggling with a chronic illness and needs assistance with meals, reach out to God’s Love We Deliver and start receiving meals that heal. Your support is crucial — consider donating or volunteering to help ensure that families in need receive not just meals, but comfort and joy during the holidays. Get CONNECTED with God’s Love We Deliver today.
