For millions of seniors, the holidays are the loneliest time of the year, as they face silent nights, silent weeks, silent months — even silent years — hoping someone will care. This holiday season, help us end silent nights of loneliness and hunger for older adults.
No senior should have to wait in isolation, struggling behind closed doors, hoping for basic care like nutritious meals and moments of connection. Together, we can End the Wait™ for seniors who need Meals on Wheels.
Donate Today
Meals on Wheels is the solution to senior hunger and isolation, but right now, a growing senior population and uncertain federal funding means many seniors could be waiting until next year and beyond for meals and connection. Older adults across America are in need of nutrition, care and for someone to check in — with nearly 13 million seniors facing food insecurity1 and 1 in 3 local providers struggling with waitlists.2 The rising cost of meals, fuel and labor makes it even harder to keep up. One senior on a waitlist is too many, but sadly, many don’t even make it that far as demand grows and Meals on Wheels struggles for resources.
Meals on Wheels Provider
Join a national movement
For many homebound seniors, their Meals on Wheels volunteer could be the only person they see all week. While the most cherished holiday traditions involve seeing family, friends and eating meals together, many seniors will spend this season alone, wondering when or if their next meal will come.
Together, we can End the Wait, and ensure there are less silent nights for seniors in need. Watch our video to see how.
The Impact For Seniors
Meals on Wheels America has a plan to End the Wait, to eliminate all waitlists and ensure every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. It’s up to you to help us make it a reality.
Multiple, diverse studies have shown that Meals on Wheels:
As heating costs rise and temperatures get colder, more dangerous weather forces seniors to stay inside. Those suffering silently behind closed doors have an impossible choice between eating and paying utility bills. You can be their hope this holiday season.
Meals on Wheels is the only nationwide, community-based network dedicated to ending senior hunger. But demand continues to rise, which is why we’re counting on generous supporters like you. You are key to helping Meals on Wheels serve more seniors. Bring joy to a senior this year. Donate to help.
“It’s one of my favorite calls to make…to say I know you’ve been on the waitlist, but we’ve had some space come available in your area and we’d like to get you started on the program.” — Meals on Wheels staff member in Oklahoma City
Your gift today delivers more than a meal. It brings safety, comfort and hope to seniors who can’t afford to wait any longer. Your kindness can make this season a little brighter for someone who truly needs it.
Donate Today
Every day, tens of thousands of older adults are told they must wait for Meals on Wheels. This three-part series shares powerful stories that reveal the human cost of waitlist...
Read This Story
After months on the Meals on Wheels waitlist, Michael and Rose Rothery found the daily meals they receive to be more than just nourishment. For Michael, who is in hospice care...
Read This Story
At 77, Mildred risked her life crossing a Texas highway for food while waiting six months for Meals on Wheels. Her story captures the heartbreaking reality of seniors waiting ...
Read This Story
At nearly 99, Donald Sullivan, a U.S. Army veteran from Oklahoma City, faces mounting health challenges and limited mobility. Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City provides him with n...
Read This Story
Every year, Meals on Wheels serves over 2 million seniors, but that’s only a fraction of those waiting for help. Today, 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels providers has a waitlist for home-delivered meal services. The average wait time is 4 months, but some seniors wait longer than two years.
Federal funding has not kept pace with the growing senior population or rising need. Funding cuts to essential programs like ours pose significant threats to Americans’ health and well-being, jeopardizing the support seniors rely on. But together, we can End the Wait.
From nutritious meals to moments of connection and more, great things happen when we help those in need in our local communities. Look into volunteering near you today and help End the Wait for vulnerable seniors facing loneliness, hunger and isolation every day.
Across the country, too many older adults are spending their nights hungry and alone, waiting for meals and care. This holiday season, help us end the silent nights of hunger for older adults.
Your gift today helps the Meals on Wheels network deliver meals, care and comfort to seniors who can’t afford to wait.
