End the Wait: Driving Action for Seniors Waiting
Every year, Meals on Wheels serves over 2 million seniors, but that’s only a fraction of those in need. Without proper awareness, funding and advocacy, our seniors are left waiting. We can’t wait anymore. Through our End the Wait campaigns, we’re inviting everyone to be a part of the solution.
#RespectYourElders: Building Compassion for America’s Seniors
As a nation, we’ve allowed our seniors to fall into the shadows. The #RespectYourElders campaign was designed to bring nationwide attention to the importance of connection, care and compassion for seniors. From everyday people to celebrities, we ask everyone to honor the seniors in their lives and share their support on social media using #RespectYourElders. Together, we can End the Wait for empathy, compassion and support for America’s aging population.
Looking Back:
History of National Campaigns
America, Let’s Do Lunch™: Calling for Volunteers Nationwide
In partnership with the Ad Council, America, Let’s Do Lunch was launched at a time when the need for volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors was growing. With a focus on mobilizing new volunteers, the campaign inspired hundreds of thousands of volunteers to raise their hand to help.
#SaveLunch: Protecting Meals on Wheels’ Funding
The #SaveLunch campaign was launched when elected officials needed to be reminded of the crucial role of Meals on Wheels providers in delivering nutritious meals to homebound seniors. With a focus on mobilizing advocates to protect and increase funding for Meals on Wheels, over 25,000 messages were sent to Congress. The campaign successfully influenced policy changes and generated significant public pressure to protect and enhance senior nutrition programs across the country.
March for Meals: Driving Action for Meals on Wheels
Held every March in alignment with the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program anniversary, this campaign was designed to raise awareness and drive action. The campaign encouraged communities to support local Meals on Wheels providers through volunteering, donations and advocacy. It also aimed to mobilize policymakers to fund and protect senior nutrition services. Through local events, media outreach and volunteer involvement, March for Meals successfully advocated for seniors’ access to nutritious meals, helping to combat food insecurity and isolation.
