Established in 2010, Meals on Wheels (MoW) serves nutritious meals with friendly smiles to seniors in Sacramento County, improving and enhancing their dignity and quality of life. By providing meals, social contact and community resources, MoW helps these seniors stay in their homes and communities. The organization serves seniors aged 60 and better with a focus on those with the greatest economic or social need. 

“Our services help ensure that no senior goes hungry in Sacramento County,” says MoW Board President Brian Chin. “Sometimes, the MoW volunteer or staff member who delivers a meal is the only person a senior talks to in a day or even in a week. That’s why we say we deliver more than a meal — it’s the smile and conversation that are also so important.”

“Our services help ensure that no senior goes hungry in Sacramento County.”— Brian Chin, Meals on Wheels Board President

MoW has four main programs: home-delivered meals for seniors aged 60+ and primarily home-bound, 17 community cafes offering seniors meals and socializing, partner restaurants where seniors can have a dietician-approved meal, and the AniMeals pet food program for cats and dogs. 

In 2023, MoW served 450,000 meals to nearly 4,100 seniors and this spring will mark the 7 millionth meal delivered since inception. “We have almost 300 volunteers, but always need more volunteers to deliver more meals,” says Chin. “We are also grateful for financial contributions and in-kind donations
of pet food.”

Each participant has a unique story and a personal reason for needing and appreciating MoW’s various services. Gary has one of those stories. Born and raised in Sacramento and now in his 70s, he had an eclectic job history. While he wanted to be a radio DJ, his jobs included warehouse worker, diesel machinist, school bus driver, optician, and voice actor. His health challenges, with multiple surgeries on his head as well as amputations, forced him to retire and live off of SSDI and then Social Security. Gary calls himself a “medical miracle,” since he’s survived so many infections despite his compromised immune system. 

“The meals are nutritious and taste good, and having this service means I don’t go to bed hungry. Meals on Wheels is literally saving lives.” — Gary, Meals on Wheels participant

Gary’s social service worker helped him enroll in Meals on Wheels in 2021. In addition to having an amputation, Gary had been the victim of elder financial abuse and was deeply in debt. “I couldn’t drive and I didn’t have any money,” he says. “Meals on Wheels saved me from going hungry.”

During one MoW delivery, Gary wasn’t feeling well and didn’t know what to do. His MoW driver, Amelia, knew the situation was serious and called 911. She stayed with him until first responders arrived and took him to the ER. He ended up having emergency surgery. “I don’t know what would have happened to me if Amelia hadn’t come by,” he says. “She notices the little things about me. I owe her a lot!” 

Gary looks forward to seeing Amelia for a few minutes every week, sharing smiles and greetings with every meal delivery. “Meals on Wheels gives those of us needing their services a higher quality of life,” he says. “The meals are nutritious and taste good, and having this service means I don’t go to bed hungry. Meals on Wheels is literally saving lives.”