The Grandview Family Medicine Residency Program (GFMRP) plays a pivotal role in preparing future providers for clinical success in family medicine. A focus on community is part of that training and the reasoning behind a strong partnership with Miami Valley Meals (MVM).
In May 2024, as part of the GFMRP curriculum, physicians in training started volunteering for a required amount of time, usually three or four days, at MVM, a Dayton-area nonprofit that creates and distributes chef‑made meals for people facing food insecurity.
The relationship has already paid dividends.
“Working alongside people who are excited and dedicated to serve the community was one of the most meaningful parts of the rotation,” said Casey Koth, a third‑year Family Medicine resident graduating in June. “It was uplifting to see people in the community caring for the same people I’m trying to care for as a physician.”
MVM was excited about working with the GFMRP and Kettering Health (KH).
“Kettering [sic] reached out to us,” said Amanda DeLotelle, the executive director and co-founder of MVM. “They wanted a meaningful engagement experience for their residents. Since we collaborate with many organizations across the Miami Valley, they felt this would be a good place for residents to get involved—hands-on—connected to community nutrition, meals made with love, and meeting partner agencies.”
MVM began in 2020 when a group of chefs, mobilized during the pandemic by founders Matt DeAngulo, DeLotelle, and longtime hunger‑relief volunteer Bill Evans, started transforming donated food into nutritious meals for Dayton residents in need. It quickly evolved into a sustainable nonprofit model, partnering with local agencies, reducing food waste, and preparing thousands of meals each week. March 25will mark their sixth anniversary as they continue to use food to promote dignity and connection throughout the region.
“Miami Valley Meals creates balanced, accessible meals that are especially important for people with chronic conditions or those who struggle with food prep,” said Koth, a West Alexandria native who will join KH Huber Heights after graduation.
Residents volunteering at the MVM facility spend their time working under the guidance of Chef Julisa Candeleria. Their rotation typically spans three days: the first day includes sorting meals and meeting partner organizations; the second day places them in the kitchen preparing and cooking meals; and the third day, known as the truck day, involves sorting food donated from Gordon Food Service.
“Residency can be intense with long clinical hours, paperwork, stress,” Koth said. “Stepping into the community and seeing people doing meaningful work gives encouragement and resets your perspective.”
It’s also a good experience for Candeleria, who enjoys collaborating with the residents.
“It’s great having an outside perspective, especially from the medical field,” she said. “And the different personalities are fun. We love seeing people dive in and work alongside us. There’s no ego from the residents. They’re here to help make a difference.”
As MVM continues its mission to reduce food insecurity in the Dayton region, the organization looks forward to strengthening its partnership with KH.
“We hadn’t done anything like this before,” DeLotelle said. “Kettering Health has been our main partner for this type of engagement, and it’s been a wonderful experience working with a large organization.”
