06/11/2026
Joseph is in his 80s and lives alone on the second floor of a Section 8 apartment in Santa Monica that is reachable only by stairs. Six years ago, his back deteriorated to the point where he can now only get around with a cane and walker. He lives on a fixed income and during a time where the cost of food has never been higher.
"Funding for this organization is extremely important," Joseph told us. "I'm living in Section 8 housing which helps, but food is so expensive nowadays. I'm in my 80s now; with not a lot of income, without Meals on Wheels West, I wouldn't be able to stay living here."
Joseph is exactly who Meals on Wheels West exists to serve. And right now, serving neighbors like him is harder than it has ever been in our more than 52-year history. Due to rising meal costs, funding gaps, and rapidly growing demand for food assistance, since last fall there has been a waitlist for home-delivered meals. These same pressures caused us to pause our breakfast program and weekend frozen meal service. And underlying all of it: funding cuts that are putting our most vulnerable neighbors at risk.
The most powerful way to make an impact right now is through a donation. Every dollar helps us serve our community and reach homebound neighbors like Joseph and the many other neighbors who are waiting, and counting on our community to show up for them.
🔗 mealsonwheelswest.org/hiddenhunger
