By Suzanne Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Meals on Wheels People

This past year reminded us of something we’ve always known: When our community shows up, older adults in our region can count on us — no matter what challenges arise.

The landscape around us continues to shift. Rising food and staffing costs, an affordability crisis affecting the people we serve, and the loss of COVID-era funding have all placed real pressure on our work. Uncertainty in public funding only deepens that strain. But through it all, because of our donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters, Meals on Wheels People remained a constant — reliable, steady, and rooted in care.

Thanks to community support, the 2025 fiscal year was one of meaningful impact and innovation.

Together, we served nearly 1.5 million meals to more than 11,410 people, including over 1 million meals to older adults — a more than 5% increase from last fiscal year. Our Diners Club program doubled in usage, becoming one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation. We launched Friendly Tech Visits, helping older adults stay connected in an increasingly digital world. And our Medically Tailored Meals program grew by nearly 60%, providing critical nutrition for people managing complex health conditions.

None of this would be possible without our volunteers — more than 2,000 strong — who gave nearly 96,000 hours of their time last year. We simply could not do this work without you. Your generosity represents more than $3.5 million in value, but its true worth is measured in human connection.

Because what we deliver is more than food.

Every meal comes with a safety check. Every knock at the door is a moment of connection. Our work helps older adults overcome mobility challenges, financial constraints, and social isolation so they can continue living independently in their own homes and communities.

We see the impact every day.

Job, who grew up on Southern cooking, now enjoys meals that nourish both body and memory, while the friendly visits at the door keep him connected. Leanne, who has lived in the same home her whole life, can continue to stay in her cherished space because our volunteers and staff are there for her. And volunteers like Dick, John, and Joyce show up consistently, bringing joy, support, and companionship to every person they serve.

Every donor, every volunteer, every supporter — your generosity makes this work possible. For every $1 invested in Meals on Wheels People, we can help save up to $9 in health care costs — preventing hospitalizations, reducing emergency room visits, and keeping older adults healthy and independent.

In fact, we can provide an entire year of meals and wellness checks for less than the cost of a single day in the hospital.

That is the power of your giving.

That is the impact of showing up for your neighbors.

And that is why, even in times of uncertainty, our commitment remains unwavering: No senior should ever have to wait for a meal.

As we look ahead, we know the need will continue to grow — and together, we will continue to rise to meet it, ensuring every knock on a door delivers a moment of safety, nourishment, and human connection.

I invite you to read our full 2025 Annual Report to see the impact you made possible this year — through stories, data, and the voices of the people you help serve every day.

Thank you for believing in this mission, for standing with us, and for helping make our community a place where older adults are truly cared for.