For the students at The Brearley School in Manhattan, some lessons can’t be learned in the classroom. That’s why a group of girls and their chaperones hit the streets of the Upper East Side in February to deliver meals to their older neighbors in need. 

As part of Brearley’s Community Engagement Day, it was an opportunity to foster intergenerational connections, as well as teach the students about food insecurity and the isolation that affects far too many older New Yorkers. 

“These are things that are impacting our city and our community on an ongoing basis,” says Keith Driscoll, the school’s Administrator for Community Engagement. “Older populations can be forgotten about. And what Citymeals does is shine a spotlight on a group of people who can easily be ignored.”

As a personal touch, the students also crafted Valentine’s Day cards, which were included with each meal delivery. “It felt good to spread love,” said one student. 

It felt good to spread love.

Each group of students took turns knocking on the recipients’ doors. “They looked so happy seeing the cards,” another student said. “Sometimes, they would chat a lot and we would talk for a few minutes and sometimes they would open the door, take their food and close the door. But it doesn’t matter if they talk or not, it matters that they get the food.”

The Brearley School has been partnering with Citymeals since 2012, working to help create a city where no older person goes hungry. It’s a huge undertaking, but one that can only be accomplished one volunteer and one meal at a time.  

“I hope that our students understood that something that seems as small as what they did is very meaningful for someone who doesn’t get out of the house very often — to someone who may not have children or grandchildren of their own,” says Driscoll. “We all live busy lives, but I hope they will take some time to slow down and think, ‘Could I give up a few hours again? What could I do to contribute to my neighborhood?’”