What is Meals on Wheels?

The Meals on Wheels service delivers hot meals to seniors in their homes or in community centers across the United States. The organization consists of more than 5,000 independent local programs, and more than 2 million people volunteer through Meals on Wheels as of April 2015.

Donors and the Older Americans Act provide funding for Meals on Wheels. The organization also asks recipients to pay for meals if they are able, although payment is not required. In addition to providing food for individuals who can't leave home, Meals on Wheels notes that its delivery service provides a valuable safety check for seniors who live alone.