How Volunteers Builds Community Through Meals on Wheels

Inspired by a Culture of Community

Every Monday, Seth Malott, a real estate agent in the Rapid City area of South Dakota, delivers meals to 14 seniors in the region, most of whom are part of the local Lakota Nation. “I’m happy to [go there] because I get to know these people and be a part of their life and their daily routine. For Seth, Lakota culture is something to be honored and imitated.

“I have a lot of pride, honor and respect for the Lakota people and what they believe,” Seth says. “[Historically], they had a community mindset; they weren’t driven by who owns what. They ensured nobody went hungry.” This belief in the power (and necessity) of community keeps Seth coming back.

Delivering Meals in Caring for People

In 2013, Seth was eager to serve his community in a meaningful way. A coworker who was volunteering with Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota encouraged him to support the organization. “I was looking to do something to get more involved in the community, and they were looking for drivers, so I signed up and have loved it ever since,” Seth says.

What surprised Seth was the seamlessness of the process. “What makes Meals on Wheels different than other volunteering programs is that it’s just a well-run program,” Seth says. “It’s an easy thing to do. You show up, you grab your meals and you deliver.” Then, during a chance delivery, Seth witnessed firsthand the critical role a driver can play in the lives of homebound seniors.

Upon arriving for a delivery, Seth heard a cry for help. A senior had fallen in the shower. Seth had to act quickly. He immediately dialed for help, and someone was able to come and assist her. This was the moment he realized volunteers provide much more than nutritious meals. They are crucial safety nets during times of distress.

“[Delivering meals] is also an opportunity to check up on [seniors],” Seth says. “There’s at least someone every day during the week checking in on these folks and making sure they’re okay. It’s not just delivering meals, it’s taking care of people.”

Passing Down the Value of Giving Back

“When we talk about people going hungry, that’s not an individual problem,” Seth says. It’s a community problem that affects individuals.” It’s a lesson that Seth works to instill in his 11-year-old son, who helps him deliver meals during the summer. “I always try to encourage him to be proud of doing something for someone else for one hour out of the week,” Seth says.

Seth sees the importance of community in serving others every time a smile flashes across his son’s face when he delivers a meal or spends an extra moment with Roscoe, his favorite pet on their route — and in the many hands that go into making deliveries possible. “When I pick up the meals, sometimes I go into the kitchen, and it’s summer and it’s hot and humid back there; you can tell these people, they’re putting their love into it,” Seth says.

Community responsibility is the reason he has recruited five people to become volunteers, which he says isn’t enough. “It’s such an easy thing to be a part of, “Seth says. “One hour out of the week; you show up, grab the meals, learn your route and go back to work. It’s not asking a lot.”