Cancer changes everything. The diagnosis itself is overwhelming, but then come the appointments, the treatments, and the exhaustion. In those moments, food often falls to the bottom of the list. Yet nourishing meals are precisely what people battling cancer need most — and that’s where The Heimerdinger Foundation steps in.
Since 2013, its Meals 4 Health and Healing program has delivered more than 280,000 servings of immune-boosting meals to more than 3,600 individuals in Nashville. Every year, about 500 people receive organic, gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free meals — thoughtfully prepared, delivered to their doors, and completely free of charge.
These are so much more than just meals on a plate.
“The whole mission is to walk alongside people and their families when they’re going through cancer,” says Executive Director Katharine Ray. “To be that steady weekly support and wrap a caring community around them through showing up at their homes and bringing beautiful meals to sustain them for up to 24 weeks during treatment. It’s a lengthy journey that we take with them. It’s not one-off meals. It is a dedicated support wrapped around them during a very devastating, hard time.”
Katharine knows firsthand how vital that nourishment is — she’s a two-time cancer survivor herself, celebrating 50 years of survivorship this year. Her leadership comes from lived experience, and her gratitude is poured back into the community every single day.
And the impact goes far beyond nutrition. Caregivers — often stretched to their limits — are nourished, too. Families receive not only meals but also recipes, nutrition cards, and lessons that change how they eat long-term. Many who once received help return as volunteers, paying forward the compassion they once received.
“This mission touches people so deeply that when they heal and recover from their cancer, they want to come into our kitchen and volunteer,” Katharine explains. “They want to be part of the volunteer network. They’ll either work in the kitchen or become one of our volunteer delivery angels. That’s what we call them. They want to give back for what this meant for them.”
One woman who entered the program in 2015 is still volunteering today. She once admitted she didn’t even know how to pronounce “quinoa,” but after learning and healing through the program, she became one of its biggest ambassadors. Even her oncologist noticed how well she was getting through treatment — and she credits the meals.
So, what can your $50 do?
At the Heimerdinger Foundation, $50 helps cover the cost of fresh groceries, packaging, and oils that fill a week’s worth of nourishing meals for someone in cancer treatment. It helps purchase supplies not covered by donations, ensuring every insulated meal bag is packed and delivered right here in Nashville.
“Probably the most inspiring thing is just how good people are,” Katharine says. “They show up over and over again with their time, talents, and treasures. They want to help us reach more people, because they know the need is so great.”
A $50 gift is more than a donation — it’s a week of comfort for a family exhausted by cancer … for up to 24 weeks during treatment! It’s hope in the form of food. It’s Nashville’s neighbors taking care of one another.
The Heimerdinger Foundation proves that food is more than sustenance. Love, healing, and hope are (literally) delivered right to someone’s front porch.
The meals are free to every recipient, but they are not free to provide. Local farms, gardens, and businesses contribute produce, yet the foundation still has to purchase groceries, oils, packaging, and other essentials. Donations are what keep the doors open, the ovens on, and the deliveries going out to Nashville families who desperately need them.
“Food is medicine, and that’s an important overarching philosophy of our mission and work,” says Katharine.
And your support makes that possible.
Donate $50 today and be part of nourishing Nashville. Thank you for helping us help our city and our neighbors thrive!
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