Our Story | Meals on Wheels People

Our Story

Meals on Wheels People was founded in 1970 by three caring women, Jean WadeMartha Shull, and Cay Kreiger, who saw a need in the community that was not being met. They gathered in the basement of the Lincoln Street Methodist Church in February 1970 to serve a hot lunch to about a dozen seniors and then delivered 14 Meals on Wheels on paper plates wrapped in newspaper.

Our Story

Our Vision

No senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.

Our Mission

We enrich the lives of seniors and assist them in maintaining independence by providing nutritious food, human connections, and social support. We also use our expertise and capacity to serve other nutritionally at-risk populations.

Our Values

  • Integrity – We work in a trustworthy, compassionate, and ethical manner.
  • Respect – We value the self-worth of our staff, volunteers, and populations we serve.
  • Inclusion – We are strengthened by diversity.
  • Creativity – We are innovative and willing to try new approaches.
  • Commitment – We demonstrate quality performance and dedication.
  • Teamwork – Together we accomplish more.

How We’ve Grown

Today the Meals on Wheels People produces 5,800 nutritious meals four days each week in a 14,000-square-foot commercial kitchen located in the heart of Multnomah Village. Meals are then delivered to dozens of dining centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties where they are served at noon to older adults in center dining rooms or sent out as Meals on Wheels to homebound older adults.

Volunteers Help Make It Happen

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Meals on Wheels People, and we depend on more than 200 people every day to help prepare and deliver meals at the centers and to deliver Meals on Wheels. The volunteer with the friendly smile and hot meal is often the only person some of our homebound seniors will see on an average day. Find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Making Meals Available

Meals on Wheels People meals are available to anyone over the age of 60. Each meal costs $10.50, and seniors are encouraged to donate what they can afford. Weekend and holiday meals are provided to those who have no other source of food or support.

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