For more than a year, Dr. Matt Whiles, professor and chair of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, has spent his lunch breaks doing something a little different from his typical academic work—delivering meals to elderly residents in the Gainesville area through the Meals on Wheels program. Twice a week, he heads out to make sure local seniors not only get a hot meal, but also a warm conversation.
It’s a tradition rooted in the Whiles family. “When I was a kid, I used to ride along with my grandfather as he volunteered for Meals on Wheels,” he said. “It’s something I always remembered, and I knew I wanted to get involved myself one day.” For Dr. Whiles, the program offers more than just a chance to serve the community—it’s a way to honor the memory of those childhood experiences.
Whiles typically delivers meals to several homes on his route, but each visit isn’t just a quick drop-off.
“It’s more than giving someone food. It’s checking in on them, having a short conversation, and making sure they know someone cares,” he explained.
On a recent volunteer day, Dr. Whiles shared a heartening moment with one of his regular recipients. After a little small talk and handing over the meal, the woman gave him a hug, a simple gesture with significant impact for both.
“She said the dog was checking me out,” he laughed, referring to her small dog that greeted him at the door. Whiles got to pet the dog, who gave him an approving sniff before heading back inside.
These moments are what make the experience special for Whiles. “Sometimes I feel like I get more out of it than they do,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to step away during my lunch hour, get outside, and make these connections. It’s a good way to boost your mood.”
As someone deeply involved in sustainability and ecosystem sciences, Dr. Whiles sees his volunteer work as strengthening community ties. Meals on Wheels is about more than just food. It’s about reducing isolation and building a network of support for elderly residents who may otherwise be alone.
“Being able to do this is a good reminder that there’s always time to give back,” Whiles added. “It’s such a simple thing, but it can make a big difference in someone’s day.”
With each delivery, Dr. Whiles not only nourishes the body but also feeds the spirit—one meal, one conversation, one hug at a time.
Learn more about Meals on Wheels and how to become a volunteer at the organization’s website: https://eldercare.ufhealth.org/get-involved/volunteer/
7
