Meals on Wheels Diablo Region Joins Nationwide #EndTheWait Efforts

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has announced its support of End the Wait – a nationwide campaign led by Meals on Wheels America and designed to rally communities around our older adult neighbors. For far too long the pressing needs of seniors have been underfunded and ignored, leaving millions nationwide waiting for nutritious meals and moments of connection. Despite the fact that Meals on Wheels has been proven to be the most effective solution to senior hunger and isolation, community-based providers are waiting too – for more government funding, donations, and volunteers – and we can’t wait any longer.

“In the last year, we continue to experience an increased demand for our delivered meals and services,” said David Linnell, Executive Director of MOW Diablo Region. “We appreciate the support our community has extended to us so far, but we need additional funding and volunteers in order to ensure every senior who could benefit from nutritious meals and social connection receives this vital lifeline.”

Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population with 12,000 turning age 70 every day in the United States. In our county, it is estimated that in less than 10 years, they will make up one-third of the population. Seniors who worked and saved all their lives are finding that the cost of food, the inability to get to the grocery store or cook a meal, and their fragile support system have made them food insecure. “Meals on Wheels Diablo Region believes no senior should go hungry, be isolated, or feel at risk,” adds Linnell. “We are the safety net that keeps our older neighbors independent, living with the dignity that they deserve.”

Right now, despite relentless efforts, MOW Diablo Region is struggling to address the sheer volume of need. Federal funding has not kept pace with either the growing senior population or rising costs. Additionally, only 2% of philanthropic donations in the U.S. go toward senior causes. Local Meals on Wheels providers, like MOW Diablo Region, exist in nearly every community across the country and are eager to do even more, but desperately need more resources to do so. In addition, MOW Diablo Region needs volunteers to help alleviate the waitlist. “Sometimes seniors have to wait to get on a delivery route because we don’t have enough volunteers to make deliveries,” says Linnell. “Our volunteers are an essential part of our work.”

"Across the country, local Meals on Wheels providers are working tirelessly to deliver seniors nutritious meals and moments of connection, but they could be reaching even more seniors and doing even more for them if they had additional resources,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “That's why Meals on Wheels America launched a bold plan to End the Wait and ultimately ensure all seniors have access to the life-saving services they need to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.”

For more information on how you can volunteer or contribute visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region: For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Callers & Helpers, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America: Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.