What would happen if Meals on Wheels didn't exist?

Annual Appeal 2026

What would happen if Meals on Wheels didn't exist?  image

We do so much more than deliver meals; we deliver dignity and safety. Clients receive nutrition, wellness check, independence and connection. Our agency provides life-saving services to the neighbors we serve. Oftentimes, our staff and volunteers are the first people to notice when a door is left unanswered. We have a firsthand look at how hunger and isolation affect older adults and individuals with disabilities, and it truly takes a toll.

Contrary to popular belief, Meals on Wheels of NEPA is not a primarily government-funded program. We rely on donations from our community. While we do have contracts with different government agencies that reimburse us for meals, those dollars do not cover the entire cost of the meal. From start to finish, it costs approximately $10 to prepare and deliver a nutritious meal to a client’s door - yet reimbursement is only $6 per meal. The reality is that this gap may leave us unable to meet a growing need for services. Community supporters, like you, ensure we close that gap.