MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA HIGHLIGHTS THE MUTUAL TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERING THIS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

A new campaign illustrates the benefits of volunteering and the mutual, life-changing impact on seniors and those who support them.

Key Facts at a Glance:

• WHO: Meals on Wheels America, the leadership organization supporting approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation
• WHAT: Meals on Wheels America launches new Meet Your Match volunteer recruitment campaign
• WHEN: National Volunteer Month (April 2026) and beyond
• WHY: Millions of older adults are waiting for meals and moments of social connection amid widespread volunteer shortages
• HOW: Find where to volunteer HERE

ARLINGTON, Va., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when millions of older adults across the country are waiting for nutritious meals and moments of social connection and volunteer shortages are running rampant, Meals on Wheels America is calling on people across the country to help their local communities by volunteering to deliver meals and moments of connection. Nearly half of local Meals on Wheels providers are struggling to recruit and retain enough volunteers, all while nearly 14 million seniors worry about having enough food to eat. Local Meals on Wheels providers are a proven solution to senior hunger and isolation, but additional resources – including volunteers donating their time – are needed to reach more seniors in need.

That's why, this National Volunteer Month, Meals on Wheels America is launching a new campaign called Meet Your Match that illuminates how Meals on Wheels connects volunteers with their senior neighbors to create fulfilling, meaningful and fun experiences that go both ways. The video showcases how volunteers and seniors are alike in many ways: both are waiting to meet their match. People who volunteer tend to experience positive effects on both their well-being and physical health: even one friendly interaction a day betters your well-being, lowering stress. For seniors – 56% of whom report feeling lonely – a volunteer offers more than just temporary companionship, they offer a meaningful connection that can make a lasting difference.

"The Meet Your Match campaign is important for Meals on Wheels providers as volunteer shortages are consistently reported as one of the top challenges facing the network," said Jenny Young, chief membership officer and chief of staff at Meals on Wheels America. "Older adults in every community are waiting for these pivotal moments of human connection, and Meals on Wheels simply can't deliver without the time, generosity and dedication of its volunteer workforce."

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels can take as little as one to two hours a week and provides life-saving care to seniors by delivering nutritious meals and moments of connection. Multiple studies have shown that receiving Meals on Wheels reduces use of costly health care services, improves diet quality, reduces risk of malnutrition, reduces nursing home use, increases the ability to age in place, reduces social isolation and loneliness, increases food security, reduces falls and increases home safety – and volunteers are critical to making these outcomes possible.

When you volunteer for Meals on Wheels, you provide life-changing care to seniors in your community. 71% of Americans say they want to meet more people in their neighborhood, and volunteering is a fantastic way to meet neighbors, build connections and combat loneliness. You may even meet your match and find someone with interests, hobbies or a sense of humor that complement your own.

This National Volunteer Month and beyond, meet your match by volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels provider and connecting with seniors who are waiting for you. Head to www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/meet-your-match to learn more.

ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. Through public awareness, funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers local providers to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. At a time when demand for Meals on Wheels services is growing, and many seniors are left waiting, Meals on Wheels America is dedicated to helping End the Wait™ and ensuring every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. For more information, or to locate a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. You can also find Meals on Wheels America on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok and X.

Categories: Nonprofit & Philanthropy, Community & Social Services, Aging & Senior Care, Food Security & Nutrition, Mental Health & Loneliness, Volunteerism & Civic Engagement, Social Impact & Advocacy

Tags: #MealsOnWheelsAmerica #MealsonWheels #EndTheWait #MeetYourMatch #NationalVolunteerMonth #Volunteer #SeniorLoneliness #SeniorHunger

SOURCE Meals on Wheels America