Meals on Wheels America

Ron doesn’t just receive Meals on Wheels — Bleau does, too. For seniors, being unable to buy food or afford a vet can mean losing their companions. With funding from PetSmart Charities, Meals on Wheels America keeps seniors and the pets they love together. #NationalLoveYourPetDay

Tomorrow is #NationalCaregiversDay! Here's a throwback to last year when Josh Protas, Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer, and Deirdre McGinley-Geiser, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, visited the ACL event celebrating caregivers along with Sec. Kennedy, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV). Rep. Mike Bost (Chair of House Committee on Veterans Affairs), and Mary Lazare!

“Robin, we’re not leaving you until the first responders arrive.” When Meals on Wheels of Norman volunteers Gena and Jeff arrived at Robin’s home, they immediately sensed that something was wrong. They found Robin struggling to breathe and disoriented, and her emergency alert button wasn’t functioning. Despite her insisting that she was fine, they refused to leave and called 911. That decision ultimately saved her life. This Heart Health Month, stories like Robin’s remind us that Meals on Wheels provides more than just nutrition; they offer crucial wellness checks and support that help seniors live safely and independently in their homes.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating love in all forms — especially the kind that shows up at the door, shares a smile, and reminds seniors they’re not alone. 🩵

Lovebirds, aging together at home 🩵 The Wilsons, married for 70 years, have shared a lifetime — from traveling the world, to raising a family to finding joy in the quiet moments they now treasure most. As they’ve aged, daily tasks have become harder, but Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City helps make life more manageable. “We have more free time,” C.M. says. “We enjoy it.” With nutritious meals delivered five days a week, the Wilsons can stay nourished, care for one another, and remain independent at home, while their love story continues. This Valentine’s Day, show your love for seniors like C.M. and Margareta. Every gift to support Meals on Wheels will be MATCHED up to $15,000, doubling your impact and helping more seniors age with dignity, independence and care.

“...it’s just that smile when someone opens the door when they get that meal and it’s just that interaction with them and sometimes we are the only face we see during the day...” Meals on Wheels delivers more than food — it delivers the support seniors need to live independently at home. At Bay County Council on Aging, volunteers know that the moments at the door can make all the difference. Those daily visits provide nutrition, human connection and welfare checks — exactly the support that helps seniors remain in their homes, even when transportation is limited and family may be few and far between. https://lnkd.in/eEpiBXe5

For seniors living alone on fixed incomes, staying nourished can be a challenge. That's why Betty turned to Meals on Wheels Davidson County. Betty waited four months for Meals on Wheels after leaving the hospital. She had to make difficult choices, like between repairing her car and buying groceries. She was just one of 120 others also on the waitlist. Waitlists hurt seniors. And right now, there 46,000 seniors on Meals on Wheels waitlists across the country. This year, resolve to be a part of the solution and join us in our fight to #EndTheWait.

Meals on Wheels providers are fighting every day to keep seniors nourished and connected, but they can’t do it alone. When we support them, we show seniors that they are not alone.

Black History Month Spotlight: Mary Lou Hale Ridley Wright From fashion pioneer to educator, prayer warrior to matriarch, Mary Lou’s life is a testament to Black excellence and resilience. At 86, Mary Lou has lived many lives: the first Black teacher hired by the Jasper, Alabama, school system, the first black plus-size model from Jasper, a seamstress, a jewelry designer, a mother and a proud grandmother. Today, with the support of Meals on Wheels, Mary Lou receives nutritious meals that help her manage her health. This Black History Month, we honor Mary Lou and the countless Black elders whose stories, sacrifices and resilience shape our communities.

“It’s not really work, it’s something you love to do.” At 100 years old, WWII veteran Mel Faes still shows up every Monday to deliver #MealsOnWheels. For many seniors, that knock on the door is the only social connection they’ll have all day. Meal on Wheels only works because of its volunteers—and the need has never been greater. Together, we can #EndTheWait. https://lnkd.in/emFHnnaW