About us

 

Our Mission

To support the independence, health, and well-being of seniors with nutritious meals and wraparound services.

 

Our Vision

A community where all seniors live nourished lives with independence and dignity.

 

What is Meals on Wheels?

DeliveryMeals on Wheels programs in the United States trace back to the 1950s. Community members and volunteers delivered food to individuals who had limited access to food. The idea was adopted and adapted in the United States to address the needs of homebound seniors.

Meals on Wheels America (MOWA), founded in 1974, serves as the primary association representing home-delivered meal and senior services programs across the nation. Independent Meals on Wheels programs, like ours, collaborate with MOWA to ensure consistent standards of quality and to access resources, support, and advocacy on a national level.

As part of the nationwide effort to improve the conditions of our aging population, we commit to operating at a level of quality that preserves the dignity of all our clients and makes us proud to be a part of the Meals on Wheels family of organizations.

 

Our History

Our organization began when a small group of Vallejo community members came together to ensure their senior neighbors had access to food. Meals were served out of their local church, and delivered to those who didn't have proper transportation.

Since then, Meals on Wheels of Solano County (MOWSC) established itself as a registered nonprofit in 1977. We have provided home-delivered meals to homebound seniors through our meal delivery program; congregate meals at partnering community centers; and case management services. We joined the MOWA family in 2007.  For over 45 years, we have served the Solano County area.

 

Our Work

Each meal is designed by our registered dietician to meet the daily recommended values for older adults. When a delivery is made, seniors receive not only a meal, but a kind and warm smile from a volunteer. Sometimes, that delivery is the only social interaction a senior can expect all day.

Meals on Wheels of Solano County is, at our core, a meal services organization. But people are living longer, and the population of adults over 60 is increasing. Under the More than a Meal philosophy, our programs take a holistic, wraparound approach to helping our older neighbors age in place.

Our range of supplementary services focuses on ensuring that seniors are safe, well, and included. Our region suffers mainly from the effects of poverty, cost of living, and loneliness: according to recent census reports, 31% of people 60 or older are still working to support themselves; 30% live with a disability; and 8% live below Federal Poverty Guidelines. Seniors here struggle with living independently due to a lack of social support systems.

This is how we deliver More than a Meal:

  • Home-Delivery: Meals are delivered straight to our client's doors three times a week with interaction and wellness checks by a volunteer.

  • Café Connect: Older adults can join us every weekday for lunch and activities (including BINGO, celebrations, and education series on a variety of topics).

  • Case Management: Every client is assigned a case manager who will work one-on-one to design a care plan. 

  • PAWS: The PAWS Program provides free supplemental cat and dog food and flea/tick medication to clients with furry companions.

  • Fall Prevention: The Fall Prevention Program provides free clinical assessments and preventative equipment to those at risk of falling.

  • Rosey: The Rosey Program is a free tablet program designed to keep you engaged and connected to what matters with technology.

  • Senior Connect: Senior Connect is a free information and resource hotline for seniors, caregivers, and families seeking programs and services.