UNDERSTANDING THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS OF
TODAY AND TOMORROW 

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered how local Meals on Wheels programs keep their wheels moving, and it will likely continue to have a significant impact on operations for the foreseeable future. To secure an updated and actionable understanding of programs’ needs, practices and beliefs, as well as their interests and visions for the future, Meals on Wheels America and Trailblazer Research embarked on a multi-pronged study in late 2021 – the 2021 Member Perspectives + Practices Survey.  

This study included a quantitative survey of the full Meals on Wheels America Membership, of which 503 – or nearly half of all – Member programs responded, representing all regions of the country and a variety of program structures and budget sizes. To round out and add to this body of work, the survey was supplemented with:

• A series of free response exercises open to all Members; 
• Four focus groups with participants from 18 Member programs; and 
• In-depth interviews with three programs.

 ACCESS REPORT SUMMARY

The information gathered through this research effort is informing Meals on Wheels America’s strategies to support the continued success and longevity of all Member programs moving forward.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

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