Horizon Health’s Meal Mates Program Boosts Patient Nutrition

Over the past three months, the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) has witnessed a notable improvement in patient care through its “Meal Mates” volunteer program. This initiative has facilitated a total of 310 patient visits, aimed at enhancing or maintaining patients’ food intake, which is crucial for recovery.

Shelly Hubbert, the Coordinator of Volunteer Resources for the Horizon Health Network, emphasized the importance of nutrition in promoting healing. “Proper nutrition promotes healing and quicker recovery from illnesses,” she stated. Since the program’s inception on April 1, 2023, Horizon Health has serviced 863 patients, with a remarkable 74 percent reporting an increase in food intake by at least 50 percent.

Volunteer Impact on Patient Care

The Meal Mates program boasts impressive engagement statistics, including 2,135 volunteer visits and 7,474 supportive actions aimed at facilitating successful mealtimes. One of the standout volunteers, Cloey Nason, began her journey as the program’s first volunteer in October 2024. As of December 2, 2025, she has dedicated 68 hours to the program and has been instrumental in training nine new volunteers.

Nason’s motivation to join Meal Mates stemmed from her friends’ positive experiences in the volunteer sector. “I had a group of friends that started volunteering in the Good Night program, and they said it was such a good commitment, just being able to go in and talk to people,” she explained. This sense of community and purpose inspired her to contribute to the well-being of patients.

Nason has observed significant progress in the health of patients, both physically and mentally, during her time volunteering. “Once you go in every week, and you see their progress and everything, you definitely notice a big change,” she noted. The companionship and support offered by volunteers play a critical role in uplifting patient spirits. Many patients appreciate being read to, which not only encourages them to eat more but also distracts them from their concerns.

Benefits for Volunteers and Patients Alike

The Meal Mates program not only benefits the patients but also enriches the lives of the volunteers. Hubbert remarked on the rewarding nature of the initiative, stating, “It’s very rewarding for the patients, as Cloey mentioned, just to have that person there with them and the companionship.” She added that the emotional and psychological benefits extend to the volunteers, who often find themselves gaining as much from the experience as the patients do.

Looking ahead, Nason plans to pursue studies in Human Kinetics and Physiotherapy after high school. Her commitment to the Meal Mates program will continue, as she intends to return during university breaks to maintain her involvement. She encourages others to consider volunteering, highlighting that it adds value to resumes and offers fulfilling experiences.

“If you’re interested in doing something and you have free time, honestly, volunteering is something that looks good on all resumes, and it’s really worth your time,” Nason stated. Her call to action underscores the potential impact of volunteer work, not just on individual lives but on the community as a whole.

The success of the Meal Mates program exemplifies how dedicated volunteer efforts can significantly enhance patient care, illustrating the profound effects of companionship and nutrition in healthcare settings.