The Joy Bus

The Joy Bus is a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to relieve the daily struggles of people with cancer by delivering fresh, healthy meals with a friendly face. Our mission is to improve the lives of our patrons through good food and companionship.

Founded in 2011 by award-winning chef Jennifer Caraway, The Joy Bus was named in honor of her dear friend Joy, who struggled with the painful and debilitating side effects of ovarian cancer, ultimately succumbing to the disease. Her grace, drive and determination inspire us to help those who are fighting the same battle.

Many cancer patients are left to fend for themselves during this difficult time in their lives. The Joy Bus eases that burden by providing healthy meals tailored to meet our patrons’ needs, delivered by volunteers who are often cancer survivors themselves.

The Joy Bus Meal Delivery Program uniquely addresses the need for both social support and proper nutrition. The access to fresh, healthful meals provided by our program leads to improvements in self-rated health factors for our clients. Additionally, the companionship offered by The Joy Bus volunteers and our social support network results in improved mental health and reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness, which often accompany a cancer diagnosis and treatment. These improvements ultimately enhance the quality of life for our clients and bring peace to their loved ones.

Testimonials

"When our son was diagnosed with leukemia The Joy Bus was one of the first organizations to reach out to us and offer our family help. Their visits to our home gave Marcus something to look forward to every week and the delicious, healthfully cooked food inspired him to try new things. Jennifer Caraway introduces us to amazing people, invites us to awesome events, and has become a dear friend. Her passion for what she does is so apparent..." - Anthony and Melissa Klepacki

"You make a difference every Friday and put a smile on my face with homemade bags and incredible food!" - Brigitte Wangberg