COVID-19 left millions of seniors hungry and isolated. Here’s how Meals on Wheels became their lifeline.

• COVID-19 left millions more seniors in America hungry and isolated.
• Meals on Wheels America and corporate partners like TikTok, Macy’s, and Walmart Foundation stepped in to help.
• The organization invites socially-minded corporations to participate in its “Make Good Go Further“™ campaign.
• Learn more about Meals on Wheels America’s corporate partnership opportunities.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of seniors in America were struggling. Nearly 10 million were fighting food insecurity, meaning they lack access to affordable and nutritious meals. Even worse, nearly 8 million seniors also lived in isolation – and over 7 million had incomes below the poverty line.

Meals on Wheels America’s network of local member programs was challenged in unprecedented ways when the pandemic hit and triggered a sudden influx of millions of new seniors in desperate need of their services as they were forced to shelter in place.

Luckily, the powerful support from national corporations and foundations helped the network persevere. Donations from TikTok, Macy’s, Walmart Foundation, and others provided $31M in much needed revenue which allowed Meals on Wheels to deliver 19M additional meals, and serve 1 million new senior clients.

To keep that momentum of generosity and collaboration going, Meals on Wheels America recently launched the “Make Good Go Further” campaign, which invites and onboards socially-minded corporations willing to help combat senior food insecurity and isolation long into the future.

More work to be done

Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, says there is still more work to be done for our nation’s seniors even as there is hope for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our research illuminated the harsh reality of America’s food security emergency,” Hollander says.

A survey revealed that three-quarters of its 1,000+ community-based organizations fear they will lose financial support as the number of clients is not expected to decrease. Additionally, with the senior population predicted to double by 2060, Meals on Wheels America is working to engage the generosity of charitable partners now more than ever.

“By combining the resources and expertise of corporate partners with our vision, we can address some of the most pressing issues facing seniors today and into the future,” Hollander says.

Through the “Make Good Go Further” campaign, Meals on Wheels America and its partners can continue to support a lifeline for America’s most at-risk older adults.

The power of partnership

Partnering with the oldest and largest organization addressing senior hunger in America lifts brands to its network of more than 2 million volunteers, donors, and advocates. To that end, Hollander says Meals on Wheels America tailors its partnership opportunities to meet the needs and social objectives of its corporate partners.

For example, since 2008, Meals on Wheels America has participated in Subaru of America’s annual “Share the Love” event. Throughout the past 13 years, this event has helped the Meals on Wheels network deliver 2.5 million meals to seniors in virtually every community across the country. Additionally, in celebration of Subaru of America’s 50th Anniversary, the company donated 50 new vehicles to local Meals on Wheels programs to ensure volunteers can safely deliver meals and provide friendly visits and safety checks.

Essentially, partnerships can be a beneficial approach for corporations looking to exceed their strategic goals beyond just profits and margins and, most importantly, impact the communities in which they and their customers live and work. It can also be a powerful tool to engage employees.

Hollander says the road to recovery for America’s seniors will be a long journey that can’t be done alone.

“The awareness has never been greater,” she adds, “but we can’t get comfortable now as there is so much we still need to do to ensure this vital lifeline continues for all who need it.”

Learn more about how your company can get involved with Meals on Wheels America.

This post was created by Insider Studios with Meals on Wheels America.