FEATURED BLOG POST

THE KINDNESS OF JOE YOUNG

Joe Young, a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer, embodies a quiet strength as he navigates his kitchen duties and client visits with purposeful dedication. With a background shaped by resilience and service, his unwavering commitment to helping others, laced with genuine kindness and humor, leaves a lasting impact on those he assists, epitomizing the essence of compassion and selflessness.

Our Stories

Meals on Wheels is powered by people just like you. Together, we are more than 2.4 million seniors, 2 million volunteers, 100,000 dedicated staff and tens of thousands of donors strong. These are the stories of our Meals on Wheels network.

PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE WITH SONYA MITCHELL

Volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Sonya Mitchell found purpose, friendship, and a way to give back to her Birmingham community.
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WE BUILT THIS LIFE IN SERVICE OF YOU

After decades of giving, Bernice and Anderson Mahan found support through Meals on Wheels when they needed it most.
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LOCAL IMPACT OF HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON + MEALS ON WHEELS RESPONSE

Anna Maria Island rebuilds after two hurricanes, with Meals on Wheels PLUS aiding recovery, delivering meals, and supporting displaced residents.
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NATIONAL FRONTLINE DISASTER RESPONSE

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee provides vital relief before, during & after storms, ensuring seniors & families have food & support when disaster strikes.
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JOHNNY ROBERTS

Resilient Floridian Johnny Roberts faces storms, health struggles, and loneliness, but Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee provides vital support and connection.
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Thumbnail of House in Florida that has been destroyed

WITH THESE HANDS

Meals on Wheels PLUS volunteer Melanie Nelson helps deliver meals to seniors, especially during disasters like hurricanes. She and other volunteers work tirelessly to ensure food reaches those in need.
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Donna in the kitchen - End The Wait - Thumbnail

REFLECTING ON 2024: A YEAR OF MILESTONES, MEMORIES AND IMPACT

Meals on Wheels America celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 with milestones like the End the Wait™ plan launch, impactful research, hurricane relief efforts, celebrity campaigns, and partnerships. Highlights include $725K raised for disaster relief, 95,676 emails sent to Congress through #SaveLunch, and delivering the 13 millionth pet meal. These initiatives supported senior nutrition, reduced isolation, and promoted awareness. The organization looks to 2025 with a focus on scaling programs, driving change, and expanding partnerships.
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People gathered hold a Subaru Share the Love check

FUELING KINDNESS: HOW A SENIOR WITH ALZHEIMER'S INSPIRED A LONG-TIME SUBARU EMPLOYEE

Whitney Marti, a volunteer with Cabarrus Meals on Wheels in Concord, N.C., has spent over a decade delivering meals and providing companionship to seniors, inspired by her first delivery to a lonely woman with Alzheimer’s. As Customer and Community Liaison for Subaru South Charlotte and Subaru Concord, Whitney’s team has supported the nonprofit with essential supplies, food drives, and $235,000 raised through Subaru’s Share the Love® Event. Whitney’s dedication embodies Subaru’s commitment to giving back and supporting local communities.
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FROM THE CLASSROOM TO HOME: JOEL’S STORY OF HEALTH, HOPE AND PERSEVERANCE

Joel Roy, a retired high school teacher, faces mobility issues and health challenges but wants to maintain his independence. Meals on Wheels has been essential in helping him stay healthy and active, providing nutritious meals and support that allow him to remain in his home. After waiting two years to join the program, Joel now credits Meals on Wheels with improving his quality of life. Many seniors, like Joel, are still waiting for assistance, prompting efforts to expand the program’s reach.
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PRESQUE ISLE, AROOSTOOK COUNTY: GROWING DEMAND, SPARSE RESOURCES + RURAL VALUES

Presque Isle, Maine, is grappling with an aging population and youth outmigration, which strains services like Meals on Wheels. With 25% of residents over 65 and a projected rise to 40% by 2040, demand for assistance is surging. The pandemic expanded meal service eligibility, but dwindling funds and volunteers have left many seniors on long waitlists. Despite community support, the Aroostook Agency on Aging faces significant challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for increased federal funding to meet the growing demand.
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Small image of man at dinner table with empty plate

THE CRISIS OF WAITING: WHY MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS ACROSS AMERICA ARE STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP

Meals on Wheels programs are overwhelmed by rising demand and limited funding, leaving many seniors on long waitlists. Despite efforts to innovate, more resources are urgently needed to support seniors facing hunger and isolation. Without increased funding, the crisis will worsen as the aging population grows. Together, we can help End the Wait.
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Small image of woman in her kitchen looking concerned

IN THE KITCHEN WITH INEZ

Inez McLean, a 70-year-old amputee in Maine, regained independence and joy through Meals on Wheels after losing a leg to vascular disease. With regular meal deliveries and companionship, she reconnected with her love of cooking and continues to embrace life with gratitude. Meals on Wheels helps her stay healthy and maintain her sense of community.
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Thumbnail photo of Man with blue shirt and blue hat

EMBRACING ADVERSITY: THE RESILIENT LIFE OF MR. PROUDFORD

The story of Thomas Proudford, an amputee and retired army veteran living in Fairbanks, Alaska, illustrates how life's adversities can be met with resilience and grace. Despite significant challenges, including severe mobility issues and harsh winter conditions, Thomas finds solace and support through Meals on Wheels and local community programs, which help him maintain independence, health and a sense of connection.
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Thumbnail of older woman standing in a kitchen

THE RISE + IMPACT OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AMONG OLDER AMERICANS

The article discusses the severe economic hardship experienced by many older Americans, who often struggle to meet basic needs due to complex social programs and bureaucratic challenges. It emphasizes the crucial role of organizations like Meals on Wheels in providing essential support and improving the well-being and social connections of seniors facing poverty and isolation.
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THE MCGILVARYS

Frank’s life journey in Alaska and his enduring love with D.A., amidst personal tragedies, underscores their resilient community involvement and reliance on Meals on Wheels for nutritious meals and support. With the vital role of Meals on Wheels in community care, featuring the McGilvarys who, despite health challenges, receive support enabling them to age at home with dignity.
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MRS. EVERYTHING, MARY LOU

Mary Lou Hale Ridley Wright, a pioneering figure in many fields, has led a life marked by numerous firsts, including being the first African American teacher in the Jasper, Alabama City School System. Reflecting on her vibrant life, she emphasizes the importance of living with joy and gratitude, even through challenges.
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THE KINDNESS OF JOE YOUNG

GUNDY

As the nation's oldest Girl Scout, Lenore "Gundy" Costello's legacy continues to inspire and empower young women worldwide. Her remarkable journey embodies resilience, leadership and dedication to service, leaving a lasting impact on her community and inspiring future generations of changemakers.
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A “Thank You” is Good Enough

Vernon Shelton, a Dunn, North Carolina native, exemplifies southern hospitality and altruism through 45 years of dedicated service with Meals on Wheels, driven by a genuine desire to help others and foster meaningful connections, underscoring the significance of heartfelt commitment in community impact.
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Delivering Compassion: Why One Subaru Sales Manager Committed His Life to Serving Homebound Seniors

Darren Hills was profoundly moved during a Meals on Wheels delivery when he encountered an injured senior. This encounter fueled his commitment to the cause, leading him to join the organization's board and catalyzing a partnership through his role at Shults Subaru.
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