MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF UNITED EFFORT TO FIGHT HUNGER AND ISOLATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

ARLINGTON, Virginia,August 15, 2024/PRNewswire/ — In 1974, the first national meeting of senior nutrition programs was held in Washington, DC, and recognizing the power of a united effort, the leadership association now known as Meals on Wheels America was born. The 2024 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference brought together more than 700 local leaders, industry experts and national partners this week in Baltimore, Maryland.to mark the 50the^{Meals on Wheels America anniversary.}The main event featured inspiring keynotes, immersive learning, and a Meals on Wheels exhibit, all designed to build local capacity, expand and evolve services, and meet the unprecedented needs of today and the next 50 years. The event’s primary focus on the future was the launch of Meals on Wheels America’s bold new strategic plan for

End the Wait™. Learn more about how you can support this work atwww.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/OurPlan.“For too long, the urgent needs of older adults have been underfunded and ignored, leaving millions waiting for nutritious meals and moments of connection,” said

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Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “We can’t wait any longer. Working with our network of local community programs serving virtually every community across the country, we will eliminate all waitlists and ensure that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it.”During the evening of celebration of the

Wednesday August 14, special guest, writer, actor, comedian and Meals on Wheels supporterJeff Rosshelped commemorate all that the network has accomplished together over the past 50 years. Additionally, a 2024 awards ceremony honored exemplary role models fueling the national Meals on Wheels movement. Honorees included:J.

• Greg PittmanGeneral Manager of Meals on Wheels Texomawho was awarded theSister priceAlice Marie Quinnfor being an influential leader of Meals on Wheels committed to addressing senior isolation and hunger with compassion, love and respect.Jo Ann JenkinsAARP CEO
• who was awarded theExtra Mile pricefor being a champion who went above and beyond to ensure the well-being, independence and dignity of older people.The Home Depot Foundationwho was awarded the
• Driving Force Awardfor being an outstanding partner of Meals on Wheels America committed to impacting the lives of homebound seniors.This year's presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, TRIO Community Meals, is one of the generous organizations that helped make this year's conference possible.“TRIO is proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of this treasured event and community since 1992. We are honored to be able to support the vital mission of caring for our nation’s seniors and celebrate this impressive milestone alongside Meals on Wheels America. It’s wonderful to partner with leaders serving across the country,” said

Lisa Damore

, TRIO Community Meals, Chief Growth Officer.This year’s Platinum Sponsors include AARP Foundation, Caesars Foundation, DoorDash, Oliver, PetSmart Charities, Subaru of America, Department of Health and Human Services and The Home Depot Foundation. The 2025 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo will be heldfrom August 25 to 28

at the Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter inSan Antonio, TX.For more information about Meals on Wheels America, please visitwww.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

.ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICAMeals on Wheels America is the leading organization supporting more than 5,000 community programs across the country dedicated to combating hunger and isolation among older adults. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network offers a comprehensive solution that starts with a meal and enables independence and well-being with the added benefits of personalized nutrition, social connection, safety and more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one older adult at a time. For more information or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit

www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
.SOURCE Meals on Wheels AmericaLearn more