Our Story
Meals on Wheels People began in 1970 when three women, Jean Wade, Martha Shull, and Cay Kreiger, saw older neighbors going hungry — and took action. Today, we serve over 28,000 meals each week across the Portland-Vancouver metro area, delivering nourishment and connection to older adults who are isolated or at risk. With 2,000+ volunteers, we help people age with dignity, independence, and care. No waiting list. No one forgotten. Just a stronger, more compassionate community — one meal at a time.
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.
- Teamwork – Together we accomplish more.
How We’ve Grown
Today the Meals on Wheels People produces 6,400 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 300 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 nutritious 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.