About
Meals on Wheels America is the national leadership organization supporting the community-based programs across the United States that deliver meals and companionship to seniors. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, it has operated for more than 50 years as the national voice of the Meals on Wheels network, empowering more than 5,000 independent local providers that together serve millions of older Americans facing hunger and isolation.
Mission
"Our mission is to empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated."
What they do
Rather than delivering meals directly, Meals on Wheels America strengthens the local programs that do, focusing on three areas:
- Programming: expanding the reach and effectiveness of local senior nutrition programs, including funding to increase impact
- Partnerships: building collaborations to serve the communities with the greatest need
- Influence: advocating for policy and funding and amplifying the voices of older adults
It also conducts research and health initiatives that support the effectiveness of local providers, and runs national campaigns addressing senior hunger and social isolation.
Scale and impact
- A network of more than 5,000 independent, community-based local programs across the country
- Approximately 244 million meals served annually across the network
- More than 2 million seniors served every year — which the organization notes is "only a fraction of those waiting for help," with an estimated 14 million older Americans struggling with hunger annually and millions more on waitlists
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (fiscal year 2025), Meals On Wheels America (EIN 23-7447812) reported total revenue of $47,619,051, total expenses of $29,493,262, and total assets of $64,293,284. Contributions represented 87.4% of revenue (about $41.6 million), and net assets grew to $54.7 million from $36.3 million the prior year. The organization is a 501(c)(3) charity whose federal tax exemption was issued in August 1976.