Meals on Wheels
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans is 60 or older – with 12,000 more turning 60 every day?
Today, the average life expectancy is at a record high of 79 years. As we get older, even the most independent among us may experience physical declines or financial hardship that strips away our independence. Add to that an increase in geographic mobility of our families and the result is millions of seniors left behind, hungry and alone.
Meals on Wheels delivers meals to individuals at home who cannot purchase or prepare their own meals. The name is often used generically to refer to home-delivered meals programs, not all of which are named "Meals on Wheels."
Meals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal since the first known U.S. delivery by a small group of Philadelphia citizens in 1954 – to support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually in virtually every community in the country. And Meals on Wheels delivers more than a meal. Certainly healthy, nutritious food is important for those who get Meals on Wheels, but for many, the daily visit from a friendly volunteer is just as valued as are the safety checks and connections to the community.
Meals on Wheels’ cost-effective solution serves everyone. Daily home delivered meals and frequent in-home visits have helped keep 8 of 10 recipients who had previously fallen from falling again. 2 out of 3 recipients report that the meals make up half or more of all the food they eat in an average day. 58% of home-delivered meal recipients live alone. For many of them, the person delivering the meal is the only person they will see that day.
Funding for Meals on Wheels programs vary greatly based on the needs and resources of the community. With a combination of federal, state, local and private dollars, Meals on Wheels exemplifies a successful public-private partnership. Maintaining their growing demand requires additional funding that often comes through private donations.
Wastyn & Associates has had the privilege of partnering with Meals on Wheels America since 2018, speaking at their conference and providing webinars on grant writing and fundraising to help individual chapters find and secure the funds they need to make their ideas happen.
Testimonials from participants of Wastyn & Associates webinars and presentations:
“This was one of MOWA's [Meals on Wheels America] best webinars ever! Well worth my time!”
“This was absolutely the most useful webinar I have attended through Meals on Wheels. I would love to hear more from Linda.”
“I appreciate the good information in a concise format, thank you!”
“Thank you for presenting webinars on a variety of topics. They allow me to get training to better do my job.”