For over 50 years, Meals on Wheels programs nationwide have celebrated March for Meals, a campaign honoring the 1972 amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965, which established senior nutrition programs. This year, Meals on Wheels Durham proudly joins Meals on Wheels America in rallying support for a critical cause—End the Wait.
Did you know that MOWD has the largest waitlist in the country, with durham seniors waiting over a year for services. It’s time to change that!
What is End the Wait?
Meals on Wheels Durham is part of a national network of 5,000 organizations working together to serve over 2 million homebound seniors each year. But despite these incredible efforts, millions of seniors are still waiting—waiting for the nutritious meals, social connection, and vital support they need to age with dignity. End the Wait is a nationwide call to action, urging communities to step up, raise awareness, and ensure that no senior is left behind.
Why the Month of March?
March is a pivotal month for senior advocacy because it marks the anniversary of the 1972 amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965, which established senior nutrition programs across the country. For over 50 years, Meals on Wheels programs nationwide have used March for Meals as a time to rally communities, raise awareness, and advocate for the essential services that help homebound seniors remain healthy and independent.
The Problem: Defining the Wait
For too long, the pressing needs of seniors have been underfunded and overlooked, leaving millions nationwide and hundreds here in Durham County waiting:
- Waiting for nutritious meals.
- Waiting for companionship and care.
- Waiting for the Bull City to step up.
Meals on Wheels: A Proven Solution
Meals on Wheels is the most effective solution to senior hunger and isolation, yet our programs are still waiting:
- Waiting for more government funding and support
- Waiting for donations.
- Waiting for volunteers
Only 1% of philanthropic giving in the U.S. goes toward senior causes, and many Meals on Wheels programs, including MOWD, struggle with recruiting and retaining enough volunteers.
Despite these challenges, MOWD continues to serve nearly 500 clients each week and deliver over 100,000 meals and auxiliary items each year.
It’s Time to End the Wait
We can’t wait any longer. It’s time to take action to champion senior health and well-being and ensure every senior in Durham County who needs Meals on Wheels receives it. Here’s how you can help:
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Raise your voice and let elected officials and other community members know how critical these services are for seniors.
Community Champions Week (March 17-21) – We invite elected officials and community groups to visit our facilities, learn more about our impact, and volunteer. Contact our Director of Community Engagement and Volunteer Services Coordinator to get involved.
CROP Hunger Walk (March 23) – One of the largest CROP Walks in the nation, this event unites the community in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. Join our CROP Hunger Walk Team Here to walk with us and help us raise $2,000 for the walk.
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Give your time to help End the Wait in Durham.
- Deliver meals to seniors around Durham County Monday through Friday.
- Make wellness calls to check in on clients Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Adopt a route and become a familiar face and voice for seniors, choosing a schedule that works for you.
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At just $11 per meal, your donation can help feed a senior and reduce our waitlist.
- $11 provides one meal.
- $110 feeds a senior for 10 days.
- $550 supports a senior for an entire month.