In Carthage, Illinois, Memorial Hospital’s Health & Wellness Center has launched a meal kit delivery program at Willow Grove Childcare & Learning Center, funded by The Tracy Family Foundation. The initiative aims to enhance family interactions during meals, providing everything from taco dinners to holiday-themed cookie kits, along with reading materials to foster meaningful conversations at the dinner table. Families have expressed gratitude for the support in creating cherished mealtime moments.
“Shared meals are about so much more than food—they’re about creating a space for connection, communication, and joy,” said Ashlyn Housewright, Executive Director of Community Health & Wellness. “This program provides families with tools and ideas to make those moments happen, even during busy seasons,” added Housewright.
The families at Willow Grove expressed their appreciation for this initiative. “This is such an incredible offering for families, both financially and logistically, to be sent home with all needed ingredients for a nice dinner on a weeknight. We are so grateful, and these meals have been most definitely enjoyed by our entire family,” said Colleen Wildrick, parent of children attending Willow Grove.