Who We Are
For more than 50 years, we have worked to empower local providers to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Our vision: An America where all seniors live nourished lives with independence and dignity.
Everything we do at a national level is to ensure every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it.
Our mission: To empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.
The Meals on Wheels Network
Our network includes more than 5,000 independent community-based providers across the country. They deliver nutritious meals and moments of connection to those who need it most.
While the Meals on Wheels network serves more than 2 million seniors every year, millions more are still waiting for help. Local providers are waiting for adequate funding and volunteers. We have a plan to work with the network to End the Wait and ensure every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it.
How We Support Local Providers
While our local providers manage day-to-day services and operations, Meals on Wheels America works to support them at the national level by focusing on three key areas:
- Programming: Expanding the reach and increasing the effectiveness of services and providing funding to grow their scope and impact.
- Partnerships: Building and growing partnerships to increase services for communities with the greatest need.
- Influence: Building a movement of people who care for older adults, including advocacy to ensure seniors’ voices are heard and policy and funding are in place to support them.
All of our efforts under each focus area ensure that local providers can deliver tailored solutions that promote independence, health and well-being for seniors in every community.
View Our Strategy
Advocacy
Empowering Local Meals on Wheels Providers
As the national voice for Meals on Wheels providers across the country and the older adults they serve, Meals on Wheels America is committed to advocating for funding and policies that support older Americans so they can live more nourished and connected lives with independence and dignity.
Help Us End the Wait™
Right now, too many seniors are waiting for the meals and care they desperately need. Meals on Wheels providers are ready to serve more older adults, but we need your help to make it happen. Your support can help End the Wait and provide life-changing services to seniors in your community. Together, we can ensure every senior has access to nutrition and meaningful connections.
Meals on Wheels America Recognized In The 2024 Best Culture Awards Presented By Kudos®
Meals on Wheels America has been named a Culture Innovator in Kudos’ 2024 Best Culture Awards for the third year in a row. The organization excels in fostering a supportive, hybrid-flexible workplace and prioritizing employee engagement, mental health, and belonging through initiatives like cultural values, recognition programs, and equity-focused efforts.
Meals On Wheels Named In Fast Company’s Fourth Annual List Of Brands That Matter
Meals on Wheels America is proud to announce the inclusion of Meals on Wheels in Fast Company’s fourth annual Brands That Matter list in the Heritage Brands category. The list honors brands and individuals that do not merely create customers but resonate with individuals and communities in a profound way. Through captivating branding and marketing efforts, these companies and nonprofits have established relevance and impact on culture. The full list can be found on fastcompany.com and in the upcoming Winter print edition on newsstands beginning December 17, 2024.
Meals on Wheels America Releases New Research Highlighting The Positive Impact Of Social Connection Programs
Meals on Wheels America’s pilot study found that regular social interactions, through phone calls and in-person visits, significantly reduce loneliness in older adults, with 53% reporting improved emotional well-being and stronger social connections. The program highlights the importance of combating social isolation, a growing public health crisis.
