After a lifetime of serving as a pastor, Larry is now experiencing the kindness and generosity of others.
Last fall, Larry went to the hospital because he had extreme pain in his arms and shoulders. Tests showed arteries and veins were clear, but Larry needed a new pacemaker and defibrillator.
Before he left the hospital, Larry was referred to the Medically Tailored Meals program at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The program delivers a week's worth of meals to his home at no cost, each one made specifically to support his heart health and help him avoid more hospital visits.
“We are caregivers, but we also have to remember that there are times when we are care receivers,” Larry said. “They are just wonderful meals. Their portions are nice and small and healthy.”
The food bank created the Medically Tailored Meals program to help treat neighbors who have severe or complex chronic health conditions and who are limited in at least one activity of daily life. By delivering nutritious meals prepared for each patient’s medical needs, the program supports recovery at home, improves overall health outcomes and lowers healthcare costs.
In 2025, the Food Bank expanded the Medically Tailored Meals program with the support of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. The grant enabled Second Harvest to purchase two delivery vans, specifically designed to deliver hot and cold meals, and helped fund our other initiatives aimed at alleviating food and nutrition insecurity in Central Florida.
A registered dietician nutritionist and skilled chefs at Second Harvest prepare and pack 14 meals each week for every patient. Each neighbor receives seven days’ worth of breakfast, snacks, and dinner, including fresh produce, delivered to their homes. These meals help address food and nutrition insecurity, make it easier to follow special diets and help avoid emergency room visits.
“It was very helpful for the first couple of weeks we were home (from the hospital) because we’re behind on shopping and laundry, and it was really a blessing,” Larry’s wife Carol shared.
“And the time to do food preparation, and then cleaning up afterwards,” Larry added. “It takes time and energy.”
After a recent delivery, Larry and Carol unpacked the boxes and read the menu with excitement as they put away their groceries. Heart-healthy waffles with sausage links and macaroni and cheese with broccoli caught Larry’s eye.
Fresh produce needed for the week included apples, sweet potatoes, pears, carrots and limes.
Helping people has been a huge part of Larry’s life and purpose. He knows that people find it hard to ask for or accept help.
“I think people need to know that no matter what condition you have, you can get help if you need help,” Larry said. “But don’t be afraid to look for it and ask for it. There’s no shame in anything like that. That’s the way it is, especially in our world today.”
