Florida ranks second in the nation for residents age 65 and older, and Broward County has the state’s fastest-growing senior population. Many local seniors live at or near the poverty level, struggling to access nutritious food and facing isolation.
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker John Offerdahl and his wife, Lynn, are addressing this need through their Hand-Off Meals for Seniors program, which delivers more than 5,000 freshly prepared meals each week to over 500 homebound seniors across Broward County.
To meet rising demand, the Offerdahls have launched a campaign to recruit 125 new volunteer drivers by the end of 2025. Volunteers are asked to give just one hour a week to deliver meals and companionship. Signing up is easy at HandOffMeals.com or by emailing Delivery@HandOffMeals.com.
“Too many seniors in Broward County go to bed hungry, wake up hungry, and spend their days hungry,” said Offerdahl. “This is unacceptable. That’s why Lynn and I launched the Hand-Off food delivery campaign.”
In partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, the program provides fresh, dietitian-approved meals prepared by Offerdahl’s Off-The-Grill and other local restaurants. Meals meet strict nutritional standards and offer a flavorful alternative to frozen or heavily processed options.
Volunteer drivers are paired with the same seniors each week, creating lasting bonds and offering friendly check-ins. “These visits feed the body and the soul,” said Lynn, who personally delivers meals every Tuesday. “Many seniors tell us their volunteer’s visit is the highlight of their week.”
The program receives support from the Older Americans Act, Community Foundation of Broward, Miami Dolphins Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Walgreens Foundation, ADRC of Broward County, and The Jim Moran Foundation, which recently honored it with a 25-year anniversary award.
For more information, visit HandOffFoundation.org
