The Meals on Wheels San Francisco community amazes us every day with their generosity and support of our mission.
This year has brought added challenges, but there have also been many accomplishments. So, let’s pause to look back at some of 2021’s highlights because our successes made possible by you are successes for those in need of Meals on Wheels!
A Record Year of Serving Those in Need
Our new kitchen has been put to the test as year two of the pandemic continued. During 2021, we have served 2.3 million meals to more than 18,000 people — those of all ages who were impacted by COVID, as well as more than 5,300 homebound seniors. In addition, we have curated 70 new entrées, expanding the menu’s variety and quality. This work was made possible because of the successful completion of our 50th-anniversary capital campaign in January. We raised a staggering $42 million to expand our work and serve more people in the Bay Area. We are so grateful for the campaign’s visionary donors.
The Extra Mile Starts Here
We are always trying to reach the extra mile. This year, Meals on Wheels San Francisco stepped in when Great Plates Delivered, the federally funded state-wide program, ended this summer. The result is 400 additional older San Franciscans are now receiving our home-delivered meals. In total, we prepared and delivered 2.8 million meals to 26,000 San Franciscans between June 2020 and October 2021, both through our traditional senior nutrition program and people of all ages in need who were impacted by COVID. Read more HERE about the Great Plates Delivered and our role.
Powering Our Mission
We are also grateful for our community’s advocacy work. This year, Senator Scott Wiener provided critical advocacy, which obtained $1 million in State Legislature funding to purchase a vital backup generator for the new kitchen. The new generator will ensure the kitchen can serve vulnerable seniors even during a natural disaster. Learn more and watch the funding announcement HERE.Advocacy for Increased Funding to Conquer Senior Food Insecurity
The need for our programs is urgent and growing. So, we were thankful when Meals on Wheels California (chaired by our very own CEO and Executive Director Ashley C. McCumber) faithfully worked to secure an additional $75 million for senior nutrition programs in the 2022 state budget. This increased funding improves food security for seniors here and across California and is a testament to the legislature’s commitment to prioritize the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities.
An Honor for Us All
In August, our CEO and Executive Director Ashley McCumber received Meals on Wheels America’s highest honor, the Sister Alice Marie Quinn Award. “Under his visionary leadership,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, “Meals on Wheels San Francisco was able to deliver an astounding 2.4 million meals to people of all ages in need–something that had never before been achieved in the program’s 50-year history,” This is undoubtedly an honor for Ashley, but it also reflects the steadfast dedication of the entire Meals on Wheels San Francisco community.
