Meals on Wheels America Expands Access to Medically Tailored Meals for Seniors with Renewed Support from the McKesson Foundation

Arlington, VA – March 31, 2026 – Meals on Wheels America has received renewed support from the McKesson Foundation for a third consecutive year, with a $250,000 grant to expand access to medically tailored meals for older adults living with chronic health conditions. This investment will address one of the most pressing challenges facing the Meals on Wheels network: providing meals tailored to older adults’ chronic medical conditions and nutritional requirements. Funding will help local providers purchase specialized ingredients, invest in and maintain essential kitchen equipment and train staff to safely prepare meals tailored to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease — ensuring seniors receive nutritious, satisfying meals that support both their health and well-being.

Since 2023, Meals on Wheels America has provided delivery services to over 7,630 older adults, supported by over $750,000 in grants from the McKesson Foundation. In the past year alone, the partnership supported the delivery of 126,000 meals to 3,700 older adults, along with nutrition education, counselling and referral services delivered during regular in-home visits. Among seniors receiving services, 96% reported they enjoyed the meals and that their health improved as a result of participating in the program.

For many participants, the impact is deeply personal. Debra has stage 4 ovarian cancer and lives alone. The taxing nature of chemotherapy and other treatment related complications makes it difficult to cook for herself, so she relies on her Meals on Wheels delivery. Debra really enjoys the meals. Even more than the meals, Debra is thankful for the volunteers who come to see her every day. She says she has laughed and cried with them during her cancer journey and is amazed at the compassion they’ve shown her.

“At the McKesson Foundation, we believe food is medicine,” said Melissa Thompson, President of the McKesson Foundation. “Our continued funding for Meals on Wheels America’s medically tailored meal delivery not only helps reduce barriers to nutritious food but also addresses social isolation and safety – critical supports for seniors with complex health needs.”

“The McKesson Foundation’s continued support is helping us bring more than meals to older adults; it’s giving them comfort, independence and hope,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO at Meals on Wheels America. “Every medically tailored meal helps a senior manage a chronic condition, stay safely in their home and avoid costly hospital or institutional care. Together, we are showing what’s possible when local Meals on Wheels providers and partners invest in the health and dignity of older adults.”

The renewed funding will support local providers in communities in California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming, where demand for tailored nutrition continues to grow.

Nearly one in four Americans is 60 or older, and nearly 95% of older adults have at least one chronic medical condition like cancer, hypertension or diabetes. For seniors facing isolation, disability, limited mobility, or economic hardship, accessing nutritious meals aligned with their medical needs can be difficult or impossible. Medically tailored meals can help bridge that gap, reducing health risks while supporting seniors’ ability to remain safely in their homes.

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ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. Through public awareness, funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers local providers to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. At a time when demand for Meals on Wheels services is growing, and many seniors are left waiting, Meals on Wheels America is dedicated to helping End the Wait™ and ensuring every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. For more information, or to locate a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. You can also find Meals on Wheels America on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok and X.

Press Contact: press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org