When Infrastructure Matters

Our new 97 gallon water heater.

Last Friday, we walked into a situation no commercial kitchen wants to face. Our hot water heater had sprung a major leak, leaving us suddenly without hot water. For a program like Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud, hot water is not a convenience. It is essential to food safety, daily operations, and staying open.

Our first call was to Action Plumbing, who responded quickly. The diagnosis was clear: our 12-year-old, 97-gallon commercial water heater had reached the end of its life and needed to be replaced immediately. We also contacted the Larimer County Health Department, who provided clear guidance on how we could safely continue operations in the interim.

Thanks to our kitchen setup, including two 25-gallon tilt skillets, we were able to generate enough hot water to keep meals moving while a replacement was located. Meanwhile, Action Plumbing tracked down a new unit and made the drive to Denver late Friday afternoon so installation could happen first thing Monday morning.

This was no small job. The new heater weighs over 1,000 pounds and barely fit through our doors and down the hallway into the utility closet. Early Monday morning, Action Plumbing arrived with a plan that limited our water shutoff to just minutes rather than hours. With quick coordination and a lot of preparation, the water was back on almost immediately. By 10:00 a.m., we were fully operational again.

Because of thoughtful planning and strong partnerships, we stayed open and delivered meals and friendly connections to 351 older adults that Monday.

The challenge, however, is the cost. This unplanned repair came with a $13,000 price tag. We are deeply grateful that one supporter has already stepped forward with a $5,000 contribution toward this expense. Their generosity helps, but there is still more to cover.

Moments like this are a reminder that behind every meal delivered is infrastructure that has to work reliably, every single day. If you would like to help us offset this unexpected cost and ensure our kitchen remains strong and ready to serve, we invite you to make a contribution.

Thank you for being part of a community that shows up when it matters most.