Local Providers Needed for Meals on Wheels
The Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois (MOWFNI) proudly supports End the Wait, an inspiring nationwide campaign led by Meals on Wheels America.
This initiative aims to unite communities in support of our cherished older adult neighbors. Unfortunately, many seniors are still waiting for essential services — waiting for nourishing meals, companionship, and the care they rightfully deserve.
Meals on Wheels has shown remarkable success in combating senior hunger and isolation, but local providers are in need—waiting for more funding, donations, and enthusiastic volunteers.
By volunteering with Meals on Wheels, you can create a meaningful difference in a senior’s life, delivering not just meals but also much-needed kindness and connection. Join us in this rewarding effort and become part of the solution! Our seniors have endured long enough — it’s time for us to step up and serve!
“Across our service area, we’ve seen incredible growth in our programs. In 2024, we proudly served 1,170,051 meals, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year,” shared Andrea Proulx Buinicki, CEO of MOWFNI.
“We are truly grateful for the support our community has provided so far, and we need additional funding and volunteers to guarantee that every senior who could benefit from nutritious meals and social connection receives this vital support.”
With more volunteers, even more Meals on Wheels clients in suburban Cook, Grundy, Kendall and Will County can enjoy the extra care that comes from a friendly face delivering their meals.
At this moment, despite our unwavering efforts, MOWFNI faces challenges in meeting the overwhelming demand for services. Federal funding has not kept pace with the increasing senior population or rising costs, and alarmingly, only 1% of philanthropic donations in the U.S. are directed toward senior causes.
Local Meals on Wheels providers, like ours, are present in nearly every community nationwide, eager to expand their reach but urgently needing additional resources to do so.
“Local Meals on Wheels providers are tirelessly working to deliver nourishing meals and vital moments of connection to seniors across the country,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.
“With more resources, we could reach even more seniors and enhance their quality of life. That’s why Meals on Wheels America has launched an ambitious plan to End the Wait and ensure all seniors have access to the life-enriching services they need to live nourished, independent lives with dignity.”
If you’re interested in volunteering, contributing, or advocating for the seniors in Northern Illinois, please visit www.mowfni.org.
For more details about Meals on Wheels America’s campaign to End the Wait, check out https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/end-the-wait.