End the Wait® Campaigns:
End the Wait Launch
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.
Holiday End the Wait
The Fall/Holiday End the Wait campaign highlighted the growing crisis of senior hunger and isolation during the holiday season. During the busy holiday season, the last thing we want to do is wait for anything, big or small. That’s why it feels especially ridiculous that millions of seniors have to wait months — or even years — for nutritious meals and moments of connection.
On Hold
The On Hold campaign drew attention to the growing number of older adults waiting for Meals on Wheels services. By illustrating the real impact of funding shortfalls and increasing demand, the campaign encouraged supporters to learn more, stay informed and join the movement to help End the Wait.
Silent Night
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 campaign highlighted the 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.
Meet Your Match
Meet Your Match encouraged people across the country to discover volunteer opportunities with their local Meals on Wheels program. By highlighting the meaningful connections formed between volunteers and older adults, the campaign helped recruit new volunteers to support the growing need for meal delivery and companionship.
MeMaw is Waiting
This advocacy campaign bring national attention to the growing number of older adults waiting for nutritious meals and meaningful connection. Senior hunger is an urgent crisis in America. Right now, millions of seniors — like MeMaw, Auntie, Abuelo and Gramps — are waiting for nutritious meals and moments of connection. Together, our voices are amplified and we can make a difference in the lives of America’s seniors.
Looking Back:
History of Our 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.
End the Silent Crisis
The End the Silent Crisis campaign shined a light on the often unseen epidemic of senior hunger and loneliness affecting millions of older adults across the country. By raising awareness of the challenges many seniors face in silence, the campaign inspired supporters to join Meals on Wheels America in helping ensure older adults receive the nutritious meals, companionship and support they need.
Give A Little Bit
Too many of our aging neighbors – like Mrs. King – will spend the holidays at home and alone. Thankfully, there’s something we know that can brighten Mrs. King’s day and bring her love for the holidays: Meals on Wheels. The good news? You have the power to brighten the lives of millions of seniors like Mrs. King by giving – even just a little bit – to support this vital lifeline.
Power of A Knock™
Power of a Knock is a national campaign by Meals on Wheels America highlighting how a simple door knock delivers more than just a hot meal. A knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels can even save lives.
#RespectYourElders
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.
