“Meals on Wheels Helped Me Get Back on My Feet”

At the top of a steep flight of stairs in a quiet San Francisco neighborhood sits the home of Cedric: a lifelong San Franciscan, Army veteran, father of six, and proud grandfather. His life has been shaped by love, hard work, and a strong sense of community.

Cedric’s journey with Meals on Wheels San Francisco began just over a year ago after a stroke temporarily limited his mobility. As his body heals, his mind stays sharp, his humor remains intact, and his heart is full of stories. “I’m getting better every day,” he says with a smile.

He’s spent a lifetime building, starting in construction with his uncle’s business. “I helped build three houses right down this street in the ’80s,” he says. He also worked in factories and did mechanical work in the Army. “I’ve worn a lot of hats,” he says with a laugh — which is fitting, considering that he has a prized hat collection featuring the Giants and 49ers.

Cedric has lived in his current home for 12 years. With help from his children — especially his son — he’s made it comfortable and accessible. The house is filled with family photos and memories, and he lights up when talking about his grandchildren. “I hit the jackpot,” he says. “I raised good people.”

It’s been two years since he lost his wife, his high school sweetheart. “She was a chef — not by trade, but by love,” he says. “She could cook like no one else.” Meals on Wheels has helped to fill that void. “The food is really good — especially the pasta,” Cedric says. “It’s made with care.”

Beyond meals, Cedric receives vital support. His social worker, Lois, connected him with a transportation service equipped with an electric climbing wheelchair to help him get to his medical appointments. Meals on Wheels is, he says, more than a meal — it’s a lifeline.

Cedric hopes to give back one day. “I want to volunteer,” he says. “Meals on Wheels helped me get back on my feet — literally. I want to help someone else do the same.”

Thank you for making the meals, friendly visits, and so much more possible for neighbors like Cedric. You are changing lives!

“Meals on Wheels Keeps Me Healthy”

Kaleo, 68, once lit up stages as a Polynesian dancer and singer. After a back injury left him paralyzed, he struggled to access the nourishing food he needed to maintain his health.

“I lost 85 pounds but wasn’t eating well,” he recalls. A broken femur and long recoveries left him homebound and isolated. It was then that Kaleo was introduced to Meals on Wheels San Francisco. Because of generous supporters like you, he was able to find a way to maintain a healthy weight with the proper nutrition his body needs. The daily meals give him strength and stability.

“Meals on Wheels keeps me healthy so I can focus on what I still can do — singing, chanting, and sharing my culture,” Kaleo says.

Today, with the help of a caregiver and the support of Meals on Wheels, Kaleo continues to dream and create. “The wheelchair lets me move, but it doesn’t limit my voice,” he says.

Your generosity makes Kaleo’s resilience possible. Thanks to you, seniors like Kaleo can live with dignity, nourishment, and hope!

Federal Funding: What You Need to Know

We understand that headlines about potential changes to federal support may raise concerns. Please know that we are actively monitoring these developments and advocating for the continued funding of programs that help older adults live independently at home.

In the meantime, contributions from individuals like you help to ensure that no senior is left behind. Whether through a one-time gift or ongoing support, your donation helps strengthen our ability to serve thousands of homebound seniors throughout San Francisco.

Together, we can continue to nourish lives, deliver peace of mind, and support independence — one meal at a time.

To make a gift or learn more about how you can help, please visit our website at mowsf.org/donate.

Thanks to a strong network of community support, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors, Meals on Wheels San Francisco remains committed and fully operational. We will continue delivering nutritious meals and providing the compassionate care and connection that our clients count on every day.

Three Creative Ways to Support Meals on Wheels San Francisco

At Meals on Wheels San Francisco, we cherish the diverse ways in which our community comes together to support homebound seniors. Beyond traditional donations, here are three more impactful methods to contribute to our mission:

1. Donate Your Vehicle 
   Transform your unused car, truck, RV, or boat into nourishment for seniors. By partnering with CARS, Inc., we ensure that the proceeds from your vehicle’s sale directly address senior isolation and hunger. The donation process is straightforward, and your vehicle will be towed at no cost to you.
2. Become a Monthly Sustainer
   Provide reliable support to homebound seniors by becoming a Monthly Sustainer. With a recurring monthly gift, you help to ensure consistent meal delivery, wellness checks, and care to those who need it most. It’s an easy and impactful way to make a lasting difference all year long.
3. Make Gifts of Stock and More
   You can also give gifts of stock or IRA distributions, or through Donor-Advised Funds.

To read about more ways to give, please visit mowsf.org/more-ways-give.

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