SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Despite dangerous road conditions or bad weather, Reuben Cary is in the kitchen at 6 a.m. every weekday. He knows the value of his work, and there are people who depend on him.
For some, leaving the house for a bite to eat, or even preparing a meal at home, can be a challenge, but this local cook is working with Meals on Wheels of Syracuse to combat this. Cary is the head cook at the organization and oversees every step in the kitchen, from making meal plans to cooking the meals themselves. Through his efforts, over 200,000 meals were made and delivered in 2024.
After working in the food industry for 25 years, Cary has been with Meals on Wheels for 7 years. He has the passion and skills for making a variety of comfort meals, such as chili, egg salads, and desserts. He also has close personal ties to the organization and a reason to keep cooking.
“I have a son with special needs, and realizing this organization also helps not just the elderly but it helps different organizations, people with special needs and coaches, and things, I felt like I had a little experience and it’s something I could use my skills towards,” said Cary.
Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that provides freshly made meals daily to those homebound for physical or medical reasons. In 2021, Meals on Wheels locally fed over 700 home-bound individuals ranging from 21 to 96 years old. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the state declared them an essential service due to their important roles.
“Basically, we feed the people that are not fortunate enough to get out and help themselves,” said Linda Dreher, the food service coordinator for the organization.
Each meal is made with care. Cary knows every client’s allergies and builds the recipes for each dietary restriction.
“So, when they show up to let me know they enjoy my food… that definitely makes me feel good about what I’m doing,” said Cary.
