Arlington, VA, August 11, 2021 – Meals on Wheels America, the national leadership association dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation, today kicks off its Virtual Conference for more than 750 attendees representing 331 local, community-based senior nutrition programs from across the country.
“As our nation finds its way through the massive upheaval brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels programs nationwide have been working tirelessly over the last 17 months to meet sky-high demands for their nutrition and social connection services, which have become more critical than ever for so many older Americans,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “Those attending our Virtual Conference have led with heart, perseverance and innovation, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to keep seniors from going hungry or being alone in this time of immense need. While we long for gathering in-person again, it was critical for us to create this space for these heroes to reflect, recharge and recalibrate, so we can continue to go forward together.”
Since 1974, Meals on Wheels America has hosted an annual convening of experts and leaders from senior nutrition programs across the country for comprehensive learning sessions, inspiring keynotes and networking events designed to connect, align and invigorate the network. Out of concern for public health and the safety of all involved – including the high-risk population that counts on Meals on Wheels every day – Meals on Wheels America has opted to host its annual event virtually for the second year in a row.
The 2021 event is spread over four separate days throughout the month of August. Each day of this year’s programming will focus on a specific area that is critical to enabling the network to unify as we continue to navigate the pandemic and beyond:
- Building Capacity to Serve More – August 11: Focusing on the key principles that will enable the network to sustain the high demand for services, eliminate wait lists and offer more to existing clients for years to come.
- Honing our Trusted Service Model – August 17: Transitioning from pandemic crisis mode to resuming delivery of a full range of holistic services, with an emphasis on meeting the diverse nutritional needs of today's seniors and addressing social isolation in new and impactful ways.
- Leveraging the Power of Meals on Wheels – August 26: Exploring ways to build on our shared brand equity across the network, maintain momentum and tell powerful, data-driven stories to open the door to much needed funding and resources.
- Leading Programs into the Future – August 31: Reflecting on lessons learned and preparing for the road ahead after a year in which Meals on Wheels programs were hit hard by the pandemic and have been grappling with racial injustice and the systemic barriers impacting colleagues and clients alike.
This year’s Title Sponsor, TRIO Community Meals, is one of the generous organizations to help make this year’s Conference possible.
“TRIO Community Meals remains dedicated to nourishing and engaging seniors in our communities,” said John Kirk, Managing Director, TRIO Community Meals. “We continue to align our operational plans with local Meals on Wheels partners to ensure every senior received the nutritious meals they rely on.”
This year’s platinum sponsors include Oliver, PetSmart Charities®, Subaru of America and The Home Depot Foundation, all of which, along with TRIO, are longstanding allies in Meals on Wheels America’s efforts to ensure that no senior is forgotten or left behind. To learn more about the Meals on Wheels Virtual Conference and Expo taking place throughout the month of August, visit
www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/2021-conference.
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ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research, and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Contact: Colleen Psomas, press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org