Meals on Wheels Orange County – PSA 22

Robert received his meals — Robert, MOW OC participant

"I’m living the life of Riley, and I’m so grateful. Things could be a whole lot worse!"

67-year-old Robert’s upbeat attitude and healthy lifestyle help him live his best life possible. Staying mentally and physically active while eating a nutrition-packed diet provided by Meals on Wheels OC is his tried-and-true recipe for sustaining the independent lifestyle he loves.

Robert leads this active independent lifestyle even though glaucoma has stolen most of his sight.

His limited visibility prevents him from driving and cooking, so the ease of Meals on Wheels home deliveries and microwaveable meals has been life changing. Robert loves knowing he can count on getting the healthy nutrition he needs with each meal delivery.

Rober tstands holding a tray of heated up food

"I’m a bachelor, and I wasn’t eating right. I underestimated the importance of good nutrition. One of my most wonderful things is vegetables because I was never inclined to buy vegetables. Now I eat vegetables, and I’m getting healthy! Meals on Wheels has been a blessing in disguise."

"Every day is like dinner at home when I was younger," Robert reminisces. "We always ate greens, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. I’ve never prepared broccoli, and I don’t remember the last time I ate a carrot before Meals on Wheels! I love the milk included in the lunch trays. I haven’t drunk this much milk in years. I really enjoy it!"

Of the reliable and friendly deliveries, Robert says, "The deliveries are prompt…like clockwork. And they are the nicest, most wonderful delivery people."

In addition to focusing on nutrition, Robert keeps his mind sharp learning technology while taking classes at the Braille Institute and stays physically active by walking regularly with his cane.

Fresno/Madera Area Agency on Aging (Huron Senior Center) – PSA 14

In December 2024, the Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging (FMAAA) successfully reopened one of its most rural senior centers, the Huron Senior Center. The center has since averaged 20-25 daily participants enjoying a nutritious hot meal. The Site Coordinator shares this participant’s heartwarming story:

A group of people dining at tables in a well-lit room, engaged in conversation and enjoying their meals together. — Huron Senior Center lunch participants

In 2018, one of our participants was involved in an auto accident which almost took his life. After spending a year in the hospital, followed by many physical and financial challenges, he became homeless and lost his disability benefits. He was blessed by an owner of a group home, who provided him a place to live at no cost; however, due to the challenges of trying to find employment, he has struggled daily to afford meals.

Since the Huron Senior Center’s reopening, he has been attending each day. The Huron Senior Center provides hope and ensures he has at least one hot meal during the day.

Many seniors in the Huron community face challenges finding support resources in such a rural area. FMAAA is proud to help alleviate those challenges by providing the senior community a daily hot meal and also providing shelf-stable meals when necessary.

Family Service Association (FSA) – PSA 20

FSA shared stories from their participants at their nutrition program sites:

Grace Vargas Senior Center (Rialto)

It is a joy to come have a great nutritious lunch and great music that I love to dance to several days a week. Barbara is so professional and polite, and her staff is wonderful, too. Barbara even goes all out decorating for the holidays. Being able to sit at a table and have a good meal with wonderful friends is so helpful. Even meeting new people is cool too.

Martin Rizkowsky

Mary and Wayne smiles while posing for a photo at a table, showcasing their affection and joy in a warm setting. — Mary and Wayne Moore

My husband and I have lunch here three to five times a week. Lunches are healthy and it's my main meal. We are fortunate to have the lunches and enjoy the company of all the friends we have here. All the staff is friendly and helpful and the manager looks after everything. The bands help us feel welcome and enjoy everyone together and the dances are good exercise. It is a safe place to have fun, and we are grateful for it. Thanks to everyone who made it possible to have the program.

Mary and Wayne Moore

Loma Linda Senior Center – PSA 20

Catherine Howard’s story is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the profound impact of community service. Just before the pandemic, she was hired as a volunteer at the Loma Linda Senior Center, excited to contribute to a space that serves as a lifeline for so many. When the center was forced to close, she, like many, experienced the loss of connection with others.

Catherine and Amor in matching black and red attire stand next to each other. — Volunteers Catherine Howard and Amor Rodolakis

When the doors reopened, Catherine was given a second chance to volunteer and embraced the opportunity to serve her peers. For her, the senior center is more than just a place to serve. Catherine states, "It is a blessing." She has witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts of the two dedicated staff members who have efficiently operated the center since its reopening. Their work, along with the contributions of a fantastic chef and other committed volunteers, ensures that participants receive delicious, hot meals.

Beyond meals, the center offers art activities, educational classes, bus passes, driving courses, and even tax assistance, all designed to support the well-being of local older adults. Catherine is especially inspired by the chef, who not only prepares nourishing meals but also decorates the center through her own volunteer efforts, hosting tea parties and providing surprise treats that bring joy to everyone.

The senior center is a pillar of support, connection, and care in the community. Catherine’s journey from volunteer to advocate highlights the power of service and the importance of local senior centers that profoundly enrich the lives of older adults. Catherine says she is proud to be a part of something bigger than herself and encourages others to join in making a meaningful difference in their community.

Project Open Hand (Curry Senior Center) – PSA 6

Garrett sitting at a table, smiling, with a plate of food in front of him. — Garrett enjoying lunch at the Curry Senior Center

On a Wednesday afternoon, Garret can be found enjoying a meal at Curry Senior Center. The Center is one of 11 Community Nutrition Program sites where Project Open Hand provides warm, nutritious meals daily. Garret is a regular for the community and the meals: "I enjoy meeting people, celebrating cultures, and getting nutrition."

Garret never thought he’d be able to have such a healthy lifestyle. A former heroin addict, one day Garret took in his surroundings and thought: "Drug addicts don’t last long on the streets. I’ll continue to be in and out of prison – or dead."

Through the support of his grandmother, he was finally able to stop using heroin. A few years later, Garret also was able to overcome a cigarette addiction. "I did something very few can do. I kicked a 28-year heroin addiction and a 34-year cigarette addiction." Garret says, "I am proud of how I have carried myself since then as a responsible senior citizen. I try to do things the right way, live the right way, and it paid off."

Nowadays, Garret spends time at the Center participating in programs, including Project Open Hand’s meal services. He believes the meals are nutritionally sound, cover every important food group, and help him stay healthy.

Garret has made friends socializing over meals and also through the Center’s activities, which is important to him. The communal setting and the nutritious food help him stay upright. He shares, "Project Open Hand has been feeding people for 40 years. I’m happy there are places like this to go to. Places like this help me."

Self-Help for the Elderly – PSA 6

As a senior, I am deeply grateful for the services provided by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DAS) and Self-Help for the Elderly. These services have not only enriched my daily life but have also made me feel valued and cared for by society.

As I grow older, I have noticed a decline in my physical abilities, and some of the activities I once enjoyed have become more difficult. Fortunately, I discovered the Self-Help for the Elderly lunch and activity centers.

Here, I receive nutritious meals that keep me healthy, while also enjoying the company of friends. Sharing meals in a lively and welcoming environment helps to reduce the loneliness that sometimes accompanies aging.

Beyond meals, the center offers a variety of activities such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, dance, calligraphy, and health seminars. These programs keep us physically and mentally engaged while allowing us to make new friends and build a support network. Each day, I look forward to visiting the center because it is a place filled with laughter, care, and companionship—giving meaning and joy to my retirement years.

Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how these programs have transformed our lives. Many seniors, including myself, have become healthier and happier thanks to this community. DAS and Self-Help for the Elderly do more than just provide services—they give us a home, a place where we can care for one another and feel a sense of belonging.

City of Burbank – PSA 19

Joslyn Senior Center

Mrs. Cecilia Greenwalt stands beside a bulletin board covered with flyers and announcements, engaging with the displayed content. — Mrs. Cecilia Greenwalt,
volunteer at the Joslyn Senior Center

Mrs. Cecilia Greenwalt has been volunteering at the Joslyn Senior Center for the past 20 years. She stated the nutrition program has helped her a lot during COVID while food was very hard to get. She enjoys coming into the center to serve our seniors with our nutritious meals while making sure she provides the best one-on-one customer service during our current hybrid program. Cecilia is very grateful for the staff and our Burbank community.

Don Tuttle Senior Center

Burbank’s Don Tuttle Senior Center provides nutritious meals for our Older Californians Nutrition Program (OCNP) clients. Here’s what one client says about the program:

Here’s what one client says about the program:

A dish with cooked meat, bright green peas, and a side of bread, all artfully displayed on a white plate. — Lunch at the Don Tuttle Senior Center

"As a senior citizen on a fixed income, it is difficult to find nutritious food at a fair price. The nutrition program allows me to have high quality lunches five days a week. Without this program, my health would not be as good as it is now. On top of that, look at the amazing quality of the lunches served! Thank you, Older Californians Nutrition Program."

Human Services Association (Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Center) – PSA 19

Sara in a wheelchair, snugly wrapped in a blanket, appears peaceful and reflective in her surroundings. — Sara at the ADCRC

Sara is one of our Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Center (ADCRC) clients and has come a long way from when she first started attending ADCRC. She was very involved and her dementia was not as advanced. She enjoyed being around others and would much rather be with her community. Now Sara attends the five days per week and receives nutritious meals through our Congregate Meals Program to support her overall health. Maria, her daughter, is relieved, feeling peace of mind knowing her mom is receiving the right care in a safe and supportive environment. Maria appreciates that ADCRC goes beyond expectations to make sure Sara has fun with the activities provided in a social setting.

ONEgeneration (Las Palmas) – PSA 19

Gloria Villalpando wearing a black sweater stands in front of a plain wall, looking directly at the camera. — Gloria Villalpando

Gloria Villalpando, who recently joined ONEgeneration meal service, was affected by the loss of her father. Attending this program has made her feel comfortable with the presence of others, many of whom remind her of her father. The safe, caring environment helped her find peace and joy during a difficult time. Gloria deeply appreciates the program's focus on caring for seniors and the social interaction she's able to receive.

Mario Diaz in a hat and jacket stands confidently in front of a closed door. — Mario Diaz

After only one year in the program, Mario Diaz formed strong friendships with other participants. Pickleball games and social interactions with his fellow participants have become an important part of his daily routine. He also found the friendly staff and volunteers to be welcoming, making him feel like part of the community. Mario looks forward to coming to the program every day, where he enjoys spending time with his new friends.

The Salvation Army (El Cajon Red Shield) – PSA 23

Marilyn Bernstone stands with a microphone in front of a Salvation Army sign, ready to speak. — Marilyn Bernstone

I’ve been going to the Salvation Army’s Club 60 for at least 15 years and have had the opportunity to meet many nice people. I enjoy attending often, and especially on Fridays when they have bingo. It’s a lot of fun and has been a great way to make new friends. The cost of food is so high, but thanks to the Salvation Army’s lunch service, I have been able to save money on my food budget. I really enjoy the food too, which is an added benefit!

Over the past few years, the staff have asked me to sing to the people. As someone who comes from a musical family, I find great enjoyment in sharing my talent with others. Some of my favorite songs to sing are "Abracadabra" by Steve Miller Band and "Full Moon and Empty Arms" by Frank Sinatra.

All the things I’ve mentioned have enriched by life and make me happy to be a customer of the Salvation Army.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Bernstone

Serving Seniors – PSA 23

One of Serving Senior’s home-delivered meals clients shared their appreciation of the program:

Dear Serving Seniors,

I'd just like to take a moment to say THANK YOU for the food assistance I've been blessed to receive from you. It has really been helping me. With no car and not knowing how to use the Internet, I've had a lot of trouble receiving any other assistance and your staff always answer my calls. I appreciate your service, food and delivery. The delivery people are kind and personable. I really appreciate the helping hand, helping me to get back on track.

Mama’s Kitchen – PSA 23

A.G. began meal services at Mama’s Kitchen when she was having difficulty with activities such as transferring in/out of a chair, shopping, transportation, and also had uncontrolled diabetes.

In addition to receiving three medically tailored meals each day, she participated in our nutrition education program where she spoke with a Registered Dietitian (RD) monthly for three months. She reported that she had not received individualized nutrition education in the 10 years since being diagnosed with diabetes. The RD went over how different types of carbohydrates affect blood sugars, the importance of balanced meals, whole grains and fiber, and explained carbohydrate counting in detail. A.G. found the various topics to be very insightful and helpful with managing her blood sugars. During the nutrition calls, she reported her blood sugars had significantly improved and that our meals were very helpful in managing her health. Receiving home-delivered meals also provided security and consistency when she was experiencing physical challenges daily.

A.G is still a Mama’s Kitchen client and loves the meals that we provide her for each day of the week.

Café Costa (Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District) – PSA 7

Here in Pleasant Hill, we have the privilege and honor of serving an average of 235 clients on a weekly basis. In addition to our Pleasant Hill clients, we serve clients from neighboring cities including Concord, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and Antioch. Café Costa not only provides a place for our clients to gather, but it’s also a place to enhance social connection, quality of life, healthy eating, and belonging.

We are truly thankful for the opportunity to provide this service and a safe environment for our active aging community.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region – PSA 7

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region shared the following story about Henry, one of their home-delivered meals clients.

As a minister, Henry has dedicated himself to serving his community through various food drives and community support programs. His work took him to cities all over the Bay Area, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of kindness and compassion while working with and teaching children. "Some of the kids I've worked with are all grown up doing big things like working for Apple or flying airplanes" he says with pride.

Recently Henry experienced some memory issues, making it difficult for him to prepare meals on a regular basis. After seeing a MOW Diablo Region television commercial, he made a phone call and connected with life-changing services.

"I get what I need to sustain myself! I don't have to pay, I don't have to cook, and I don't have to worry about the stove," says Henry.

For Henry, the impact of MOW Diablo Region goes beyond the meals he receives. "I have so many good things to say about my experiences with the organization. I can really feel they care. I don't know where I would be without MOW Diablo Region."

Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (Pacific Grove) – PSA 32

Meal delivery for MOW of the Monterey Peninsula. — Meal delivery for MOW of the Monterey Peninsula

As we look toward the future of our Meals on Wheels program here on the Monterey Peninsula, it's important to take stock of our achievements and anticipate the challenges we will face in the coming years. With over a million volunteer hours and nearly seven million meals delivered, we've made a tremendous impact on the community we serve. However, we know our work is far from over.

As the demand for our services continues to grow, we continue to develop new strategies and programs ensuring we can meet the needs of seniors, veterans, the disabled, and other underserved populations in our area. While our home-delivered meals program is the most well-known aspect of our work, it's just one of the many ways we support our clients. We are proud to report our Meals on Wheels Community Center is going strong with a much-anticipated increase in participation in our congregate meal program, exercise classes, learning opportunities, and entertainment.

Our dedicated volunteers provide critical social interaction and keep an eye out for any health or safety issues that may arise. As a result of these connections, we've been able to expand our services beyond meal delivery by offering home safety upgrades and providing meals to those in need during emergencies like wildfires and flooding. We're proud to be a trusted partner in the community, and we look forward to continuing our work for the next 50 years and beyond.

ONEgeneration (Wilkinson Senior Center) – PSA 25

Jessie stands in front of a door, holding a bag of food with a smile on his face. — Jessie C.

Each year the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging works with private funding to provide warm, delicious Thanksgiving meals to home-delivered meal clients.

The volunteers who deliver the meals on Thanksgiving Day report it not only brightens the day for the older adults, but theirs as well.

Jessie C., a participant of the Wilkinson Multipurpose Senior Center, says, "I am grateful for this program. Thank you for working on Thanksgiving Day to provide us meals."

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