God's Love We Deliver serves 20 millionth meal

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The charity God's Love We Deliver is known for helping put healthy meals in the hands of sick New Yorkers.

On Thursday the organization is celebrating a major milestone.

"At God's Love we like to say food is love," said Karen Pearl, CEO God's Love We Deliver.

There is so much food made there and it's all delivered to people who are sick.

God's Love We Deliver started by delivering meals to people suffering from HIV and AIDS, and in 2001 the board expanded its mission.

"We learned so much about serving people who were sick with AIDS and HIV that it was time to use that knowledge to help serve people with other illnesses, so we expanded our mission and today we serve people with over 200 different diagnoses," Pearl said.

"We do mince and puree meals for people who have difficulty swallowing, we do renal-friendly meals, people with kidney disease, we do vegetarian meals, we do acid bland, I mean, the list goes on and on," said Daniel Metzger, Head Chef. "It's really rewarding when you are able to help so many people with so many different illnesses."

When God's Love first launched in 1985, volunteers delivered 50 meals a week. That number is now 7,000 meals a day. The organization delivers meals Monday through Friday to all of the boroughs, plus in parts of Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey.

Thursday, as employees and volunteers cooked, plated and packaged, they hit a milestone.

They made their 20-millionth meal!

That meal made its way to the East Village to a fourth floor walkup, the home of a long-time recipient.

Jack Godby has been living with HIV since 1985, but it's the stroke 15 years ago that makes getting out so difficult.

"They have been with you for a long time," Eyewitness News Reporter Lauren Glassberg said.

"They certainly have," Godby said. "I couldn't exist without them."

It turns out, it isn't just the food, it's the feeling of being cared for.

"It's a comforting feeling to know you're going to have a meal for next week, and the delivery people are wonderful. They are always cheery and they ask how you are!" Godby said.

So Godby will enjoy the 20 millionth meal, and God's Love We Deliver will work toward its next milestone.

"The food that comes is full of love and delivered with a big smile and it really warms people's hearts," Pearl said.

For more information please visit: https://www.glwd.org/