Meals On Wheels Northeastern Illinois

10/15/2026

Fall Intern Update:

My name is Hallah and I have been a media intern for Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois for the past few months. These months have taught me so much more than the job I signed up to do. Working for a non-profit has shown me the power of a strong community. The care that each staff member and volunteer has for the community is inspiring. I’ve learned that sometimes the best work comes from collaboration and teamwork. Though I am a media intern, I have had numerous opportunities to work in different spaces and learn from other roles that surround me.

My role includes community outreach, analyzing data from our social media channels, and capturing content to share. My favorite day at Meals on Wheels was when I conducted two interviews with volunteers in the office. It was refreshing to hear their stories and understand their calls to action to serve their community. It was an honor to turn their stories into content to be shared on Meals on Wheels social media platforms and our newsletter. I am inspired by every person who is a part of this mission and will hold this experience closely for the rest of my career.

10/14/2026

A big thanks to our friends at Rotary Club of Wilmette for being such amazing community partners!

10/08/2026

Happy DAF Day 🎉🎉

Today is a nationwide movement celebrating the massive impact Donor-Advised Funds make when generosity is mobilized!

If you have a DAF, today is the perfect opportunity to activate your giving. A grant recommendation to Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois directly fuels freshly prepared meals, daily safety checks, and vital support for homebound neighbors across northern Cook and Lake counties.

To to recommend a grant today, log into your DAF portal (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, ECF, etc.) and search using our details:

Organization: Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois
Federal Tax ID/EIN: 36-2662113
Suggested Designation: General Fund (or Where needed most)

Thank you for supporting our community members in need!

10/08/2026

Welcome Back, Ana! 💙

This summer, Northwestern student Ana interned in Congressman Maxwell Frost’s (FL-10) district office, gaining firsthand experience serving Central Floridians, from managing constituent casework to connecting residents with essential federal resources.

Now, she’s bringing those insights back to Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois! This fall, Ana will be supporting MOWNEI through grant writing to assist in securing the vital funding that powers our programs.

“My time in [Congressmen Frost's] office taught me how much goes on behind the scenes to serve a community. From managing casework to connecting constituents with federal resources, I saw firsthand the challenges Central Floridians face and learned how meaningful it is to listen, show up, and help people navigate them. I wanted to return to MOWNEI because volunteering showed me how much work happens behind the scenes to keep a nonprofit running. Grant writing gives me the opportunity to contribute in a new way while learning how organizations secure the funding that makes their programs possible.”

We’re thrilled to have you back on the team!

10/08/2026

This summer, Northwestern student and volunteer, Ana interned in Congressman Maxwell Frost’s (FL-10) district office, gaining firsthand experience serving Central Floridians—from managing constituent casework to connecting residents with essential federal resources.

Now, she’s bringing those insights back to Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois! This fall, Ana will be supporting MOWNEI through grant writing to help secure the vital funding that powers our programs.

“My time in [Congressmen Frost's] office taught me how much goes on behind the scenes to serve a community. From managing casework to connecting constituents with federal resources, I saw firsthand the challenges Central Floridians face and learned how meaningful it is to listen, show up, and help people navigate them. I wanted to return to MOWNEI because volunteering showed me how much work happens behind the scenes to keep a nonprofit running. Grant writing gives me the opportunity to contribute in a new way while learning how organizations secure the funding that makes their programs possible.”

We’re thrilled to have Ana back on the team!

10/06/2026

Starting October 1, we are transitioning to a direct partnership with the Niles Senior Center!

Following the conclusion of our partnership with AgeOptions at the end of the month, MOWNEI will focus on preparing and providing high-quality meals, while the Niles Senior Center takes the lead in operating the congregate meal program.

This streamlined collaboration allows us to maximize staff efficiency so we can focus on what we do best—delivering fresh, nourishing food that supports independent living. While the operational details are changing behind the scenes, our dedication to serving the seniors of Niles remains the same.

Thank you to the Niles Senior Center team for their continued partnership! 💙

10/05/2026

At Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois, what we deliver goes far beyond food.

Recently, one of our delivery volunteers, David Polster, noticed a client needed a lightbulb replaced during his delivery route. Instead of just dropping off the meal and moving on, David took the time to change it himself, ensuring his client felt safe and comfortable at home.

Moments like this show the heart of our mission. Our volunteers provide more than nutritious meals—they bring friendly faces, wellness checks, and genuine care. Whether it’s sharing a quick conversation or lending a helping hand with a small household need, they help our neighbors live independently and with dignity.

Thank you, David, for going above and beyond! You truly embody what it means to be more than a meal.

10/02/2026

Stricter requirements for food assistance are making it harder for our homebound neighbors to afford basic necessities. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP enrollment has already dropped by an estimated 5 million people nationwide as these changes take effect.

When safety nets shrink, our community steps up. At Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois, a delivered meal does more than fill a plate—it brings daily connection, a wellness check, and peace of mind.

Read the full article to learn more about the challenges facing our clients today:

Despite lower poverty overall, the rate for seniors has been steadily rising in recent years. A new AARP survey sheds light on how those over 50 are struggling in the crucial time before retirement.

09/30/2026

Do you know seniors that would benefit from home-delivered meals? Send them our way.
Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois supplies meals and human connection to home-bound seniors. For more information, visit our website or click the link in our bio. https://mealsonwheelsnei.org

09/30/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of former board member and Treasurer, Richard Dublin.

Richard spent over 30 years as a dedicated social worker and Associate Executive Director at Jewish Family and Community Service of Chicago. We were truly fortunate to have his leadership, compassion, and expertise on our Board of Directors for many years, helping shape and support the programs we continue to run today.

Our thoughts are with his beloved wife, Hylene, and the entire Dublin family. We are profoundly grateful for his service to our community and the lasting impact he left on Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois.

View Richard Arthur Dublin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.