Meals on Wheels (MoW) improves and enhances the dignity and quality of life for Sacramento County seniors, helping them stay in their homes and communities by providing nutritious meals, social contact and community resources. The organization serves seniors aged 60 and better with a focus on those with the greatest economic or social need.
“In 2022, we served 595,717 meals to 4,100 seniors,” says Linda Revilla, Acting Executive Director. “That’s more than 85,000 more meals we provided than before the pandemic. This year we are on pace to keep serving record-breaking numbers of meals, which would be impossible without the support of the community. Our donors and partners and volunteers make this happen.”
As we come out of the pandemic, MoW is reopening its congregate nutrition sites at senior living complexes, faith-based organizations and community centers throughout Sacramento County, serving lunch five days a week. Prior to the pandemic, MoW operated 20 congregate nutrition sites but all were closed during mandated lockdowns, with most converting to curbside meal pickup service. Now 10 sites have been reopened, welcoming back grateful participants, and MoW’s goal is to have 17 open by July.
“This year we are on pace to keep serving record-breaking numbers of meals, which would be impossible without the support of the community. Our donors and partners and volunteers make this happen.” —Linda Revilla Acting Executive Director
MoW also provides meal delivery to 1,400 homebound, isolated seniors, a service that continued through the pandemic lockdowns. Volunteers deliver meals and friendship — and may be the only personal contact some seniors have. “We currently have about 200 volunteers but are greatly in need of more people to help deliver this important service that provides meals, safety checks and social connections,” Revilla says.
One home delivery recipient’s heartfelt words reflect the importance of MoW’s work: “I am so grateful. Because of my health issues, I was struggling with getting groceries. You guys are keeping me alive. I enjoy the meals and the friendship of my volunteers.”
