In Bennington County, two simple locations—one in Bennington, the other in Arlington—are quietly doing something powerful every day. They’re not flashy. They don’t make headlines. But they make meals. They serve neighbors. And they hold space for connection. These are the Bennington County Meals on Wheels Community Meal Sites. But food is just the beginning.
A Place to Gather
At a time when more Vermonters are aging into retirement than ever before, these meal sites are meeting a rising need—not just for nutrition, but for human connection.
“The meal is the reason people come,” says Deb, a volunteer, “but the community is the reason they stay.”
It’s a simple idea: gather for lunch, sit together, talk, eat, laugh. For many seniors, this daily ritual is a lifeline. Social isolation is a real and growing threat, especially in rural areas. Without regular interaction, seniors face higher risks of depression, cognitive decline, and poor health outcomes. A warm meal shared with others can do more than nourish—it can heal.
At both the Bennington and Arlington locations, the doors are open to any older Vermonter who wants a place to sit down and enjoy a meal with neighbors. There’s no pressure, no red tape, just an invitation to come as you are.
Made Fresh, Every Day
Unlike some programs that rely on frozen or pre-packaged food, Bennington County Meals on Wheels prepares every meal fresh, daily. It’s real food, cooked with care by people who understand the importance of both nutrition and dignity.
The meals are balanced, hearty, and designed to meet the specific dietary needs of older adults. But just as important, they taste good. Fresh ingredients and local sensibilities guide the menu, making each plate a reflection of the community it serves.
The kitchen is a busy place—chopping, simmering, baking, packing—but it hums with purpose. Preparing more than 51,000 meals a year requires dedication and coordination, and the team delivers. Whether the meal is being enjoyed at a community table or delivered to a homebound older Vermonters, it’s made with the same attention to quality and care.
Facing the Future
Vermont’s senior population is growing rapidly. As more residents age into retirement, the demand for services like Meals on Wheels will only increase. Already, many older adults in Bennington County are facing the dual challenges of food insecurity and social isolation.
The rising cost of living, limited mobility, and shrinking support networks make it harder for older Vermonters to shop, cook, and maintain regular social contact. Meals on Wheels isn’t just filling plates—it’s filling a gap in the fabric of daily life.
The community meal sites in Bennington and Arlington are on the front lines of that effort. They are places of dignity, routine, and belonging—small but essential defenses against the quiet dangers of aging alone.
More Than a Service
It’s easy to think of Meals on Wheels as a delivery program. But in Bennington County, it’s something more. Its lunch shared with friends. It’s a volunteer remembering your birthday. It’s a place where your name is known and your presence matters.
These sites don’t just serve meals—they create community. They remind us that aging isn’t a problem to fix, but a stage of life that deserves respect, support, and connection.
And as Vermont continues to age, this kind of community support will become even more critical.
How You Can Help
The success of these programs relies on local support. Volunteers, donations, and community awareness all help keep the doors open and the food coming. Whether you have an hour a week or a few dollars to spare, there’s a role for you to play in sustaining this vital service.
Because when we invest in our elders, we strengthen our entire community.
If you’d like to get involved you can…
- call us at 802-442-8012
- go online at www.mowbennington.org
- visit us at 124 Pleasant Street, Bennington VT
Bennington café hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 1pm
Arlington café hours: Tues & Thursday 12 – 1pm
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