Meals on Wheels Breaks Ground on Future Home, Planting Seeds of Service and Hope

With golden shovels in hand and hearts full of purpose, Meals on Wheels Cayman Islands (MOW) officially broke ground on the site of its future headquarters on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 14 Durham Drive. The event marked a historic moment in the organization’s 28-year journey of delivering nourishment, connection, and compassion to Cayman’s most vulnerable seniors.

Surrounded by Board Directors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and community partners, the morning also featured the symbolic planting of a tree by 2025 Miss Earth Cayman Islands, Latecia Bush, symbolizing growth, resilience, and Meals on Wheels’ deepening roots in the community.

Among the distinguished attendees were:

• Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier, Minister for Tourism and Trade Development

• Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Social Development, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage

• Ms. Heather Bodden, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Development

• Ms. Julie Hunter, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Agriculture

• Mrs. Paulinda Mendoza-Williams, Director of Department of Children and Family Services

• Mrs. Nellie Pouchie, Chief Officer

• Mr. Trevor Gibbs, Deputy Chief Officer

Apologies and warm wishes were shared on behalf of Premier André Ebanks who was unable to attend but expressed his support for this vital initiative.

In his remarks, Hon. Isaac Rankine praised the longstanding impact of Meals on Wheels and emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure for nonprofits: “Meals on Wheels represents the heart of our community. Their work goes far beyond food delivery — it’s about care, connection, and dignity. This new facility will help ensure that our seniors continue to receive the support they deserve, with even greater reach and efficiency.”

Jennifer West, Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support: “This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with purpose, promise, and people coming together to serve our community.

For 28 years, Meals on Wheels has been a vital source of nourishment and connection for our seniors. We’ve operated from borrowed spaces, humble offices, and overflowing kitchens — always with love, but not always with room to grow.”

In 2024, Meals on Wheels delivered over 85,000 hot meals across Grand Cayman, along with countless weekly supplemental groceries, hurricane emergency kits, wellness checks, and vital human interaction.

MOW Chairman of the Board, Mr. Robert Imparato, also shared his vision for the future: ““It has been a long time coming, but we will finally have a home of our own. It requires a village to feed a senior, and we are beyond grateful to everyone who has made this day possible, including our generous land donor and those individuals and companies who have made monetary and in-kind donations toward this project; the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and Rotarian Derek Haines, our longest-serving volunteer, for their tireless fundraising efforts; our superstar staff headed by Jennifer West, and our board of directors for ensuring that our organization is the best it can be; and lastly, our volunteers who give their personal time and drive their own vehicles to deliver meals, smiles and dignity to our seniors every weekday.”.”

The event concluded with a Golden Shovel Ceremony, a group photo with board members, dignitaries, and volunteers, and refreshments graciously provided by Island Taste, with beverages donated by Jacques Scott.

In closing remarks, MOW Board Director Sabine Calvetti stated “Today isn’t just about breaking ground — it’s about building hope. Hope for every senior who will receive a warm meal, a friendly smile, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.

To our volunteers, our donors, our government partners, and our community champions — thank you. This dream is becoming a reality because of you.”