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Learn how one organization is changing lives with medically tailored meals.

At Open Arms of Minnesota, "there's always room for one more at our table.” For nearly 40 years this local nonprofit has been delivering medically tailored meals across the state to thousands of individuals with life-threatening illnesses and critical health issues.

This welcoming message is what has helped Open Arms grow from a one-person operation with founder Bill Rowe, to an organization with two locations, including a new presence in Saint Paul.

“One of the things he [Bill Rowe] noticed in the community was his neighbors who had AIDS at the time were wasting away because nobody would come and bring food to their homes,” said Chief Executive Officer, Leah Hebert Welles. “He started by just making food in his own kitchen and then eventually in the basement of churches and eventually Open Arms.”

Since 1986, the organization has delivered well over 13 million medically tailored meals to clients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, end stage renal disease, congestive heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their families at no cost.

More Than Food

“We believe that food is medicine,” Leah said. “Clients get to choose the menu that is right for them and their illness so we can help them on their healing journey.”

This is what sets Open Arms apart from other food focused organizations. With support from registered dietitians on staff, every meal is medically tailored to fit the client’s needs.

“While our clients are often food insecure, they need a very specific diet. So, they can't go to the food shelf and just get any can of soup. They need a specific diet, and they can't cook for themselves,” said Leah.

With support from organizations like the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Open Arms produces around 20,000 meals a week to feed more than 2,000 clients across the state between its two kitchens in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

To ensure their meals are healthy and nutritious, Open Arms sources organic fruits, vegetables and herbs from five Open Farms locations located in the Twin Cities metro area.

“We hope that clients get better and ultimately don't need Open Arms,” Leah said. “They work with a registered dietitian to help them figure out what to supplement or eat after they're not getting meals from us anymore. That kind of support accompanying the meals provides clients with nutrition education and counseling helping them be more successful.”

The Value of Volunteers

Volunteers are the “secret sauce” at Open Arms, making the work at the organization’s kitchens and Open Farms possible.

“I have volunteered here since I was at the University of St. Thomas,” said Sara Atkinson of Securian Financial. “I love that the food all gets delivered to local communities. I think it's important knowing that we’re giving back to other Minnesotans that are in critical medical conditions.”

Like Sarah, many individuals have volunteered at Open Arms for years by working in reception, packing meals. Some volunteers are even former clients. There’s also a ‘decades’ club of volunteers who have been around since the 90s.

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Continuing to Feed Minnesota's Ill Communities

The organization plans to expand its shipping to serve more clients who live in Greater Minnesota.

“My hope and dream is someday we will receive a huge donation that allows us to continue to increase our shipping to folks who live far from resources where it's hard to get nutritious meals,” Leah said.

While the number of meals shipped to Greater Minnesota is low, the cost of shipping is expensive. Open Arms currently ships a couple hundred meals once a week to clients outside the Metro area.

“The impact of the meals is not just physical, it's also mental and emotional,” said Leah. “It helps people stay strong during medical treatments, of course, but getting a meal delivered to your home by somebody who smiles and waves at you also makes you feel better and delivers a message of hope.”

Inspired to Make a Difference?

1. Deliver a Meal: Consider making and dropping off meals for neighbors, friends and family members who are too ill to cook for themselves. You can also recommend them to organizations like Open Arms.

2. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a food-based or hunger relief organization. It is a great way to support and have fun while serving others.

3. Donate: Consider donating to a local hunger relief organization or nonprofit focused on caring for people going through medical illness or treatment like Open Arms.

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Corner Conversations feature individuals and nonprofits driving change in the East Metro and beyond by highlighting their work in connection to current topics and issues facing our communities and state.