NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) – He is a songwriter by trade and a meal delivery driver in his spare time.

For 36 years, Barry Coggins of Nashville has satisfied music lovers with his songs and the elderly in need with free food, all as part of the nonprofit 50 Forward and its Meals on Wheels program. .

Coggins has 13 people eager to see him, people in his path. Over the years, he has delivered over 17,000 of these life-saving food cartons.

“That’s exactly right and these are the ones you get to know and you can change a light bulb or pick up their mail, but you develop a relationship with a number of people over the years,” Coggins said.

He knows very well who is on his way.

“Right in the back was Mildred Caruthers for years. She passed away and I went to her funeral. They are customers, but really friends, ”Coggins said.

This food is the main course. This six string is just a dessert.

“It’s very rewarding to get to know people, to sing Happy Birthday. It’s a win-win, ”Coggins said.

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