News & Stories
Two Additional Senior Center Produce Markets Added This Month
As older adults across Chicago face increased uncertainty around SNAP benefits, Meals on Wheels Chicago (MoWC) is taking action to ensure no senior is left without access to nutritious food. The organization will add two additional senior center pantry distributions this month, at the Southeast Regional Senior Center and Southwest Regional Senior Center, expanding its reach to help meet the growing need.
Food Pantries Brace For Huge Increase In Need As Feds Cut Off SNAP Funding
“Most of our seniors have about $47 a week to live on … and the dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to,” Morris said. “So if you’re needing to make the choice between medicine or food, it’s a really hard choice, especially if it’s a medicine that you need to just be able to function properly. I think a lot of hard decisions are going to be made.”
Meals on Wheels Chicago Celebrates 35th Annual Celebrity Chef Ball
Led by event Co-Chairs Heidi and Jim Clifton, the 35th Annual Celebrity Chef Ball surpassed its $1,000,000 fundraising goal, marking a record-breaking year for Meals on Wheels Chicago!
2025 Collective Impact Award
The Meals on Wheels Chicago team is humbled and honored to have received the first annual Collective Impact Award from Chicago Dept. of Family & Support Services - Senior Services!
2025 Chicago on Tap Fest
Chicago on Tap Fest 2025 was a success! Over 800 supporters of Meals on Wheels Chicago gathered to enjoy beer and food from some of the the best breweries and restaurants, raising critical funds for programs that support seniors and people with disabilities.
You Made A Difference in 2024
Your support in 2024 made so much possible for seniors! Healthy meals delivered every week to thousands of homes, regular wellness checks, free groceries, social events, cooking demonstrations, pet food and wellness packs – all of it supported healthy bodies and minds for our elderly neighbors. Together, we showed up for seniors in our community, and every dollar you gave to our mission had a positive ripple effect.
Audacity Unveiled: Scammers Target Meals on Wheels Chicago
At Meals on Wheels Chicago, we pour every ounce of effort into serving our community—providing food and support to homebound seniors and people with disabilities. Imagine our outrage when we discovered that scammers, devoid of conscience, attempted to exploit our mission to defraud us. This isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a call to stand against such vile schemes targeting nonprofits working tirelessly to make a difference.
Meals on Wheels Chicago Wraps Up a Memorable 2024 Celebrity Chef Ball
For 37 years, Meals on Wheels Chicago has been a lifeline for seniors and people with disabilities, delivering nutritious meals to those in need. NBC Chicago’s LeeAnn Trotter reports that the organization is committed to expanding its services to reach even more residents in the area. However, this growth depends on continued community support and donations. One critical initiative is the Nourish Chicago Pantry, which relies heavily on donations to remain operational. Your contributions can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
LeeAnn Trotter visits the Nourish Chicago Pantry
For 37 years, Meals on Wheels Chicago has been a lifeline for seniors and people with disabilities, delivering nutritious meals to those in need. NBC Chicago’s LeeAnn Trotter reports that the organization is committed to expanding its services to reach even more residents in the area. However, this growth depends on continued community support and donations. One critical initiative is the Nourish Chicago Pantry, which relies heavily on donations to remain operational. Your contributions can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Watch Here
The Systemic Link Between Race and Hunger
More than 12 percent of those living in the United States suffer from hunger, an issue that affects those in every racial demographic. However, food security disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic households. While 12 percent of American households experience hunger, the USDA reports 22.5 percent of Black households and 18.5 percent of Hispanic households face food insecurity, further revealing economic insecurity that disproportionately impacts people of color.
City of Big Shoulders & Big Hearts
Meals on Wheels Chicago launches a new series of cooking demonstrations to promote health and well-being among seniors. Classes will feature renowned local chefs who will help empower seniors with culinary skills, promote nutrition, and foster a sense of community through the joy of cooking.
Giving Tuesday Support Amounted to 3,000 Meals for Seniors
A sincere thank you to every single person who contributed and made our Giving Tuesday a success! We are so grateful for your selflessness and your generosity.
Meals on Wheels Chicago’s Hunger Takes No Holiday Campaign Aims to Deliver Five Tons of Food to Seniors
We need your help to stock the shelves at the December Nourish Chicago Pantry! Seniors facing hunger are relying on Meals on Wheels Chicago for their food this month, and next Tuesday hundreds will line up at a local senior center to receive fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry goods. Please help us deliver on our promise to keep them nourished this holiday season!
Virtual Food Drive Launches as a Way to Supply Seniors with Nutritious Food and Wellness Items
A sincere thank you to every single person who contributed and made our Giving Tuesday a success! We are so grateful for your selflessness and your generosity.
Celebrity Chef Ball Delivers 184,700 Meals for Seniors
On Friday October 20th 2023, The Geraghty played host to The Celebrity Chef Ball, a star-studded event that brought together over 60 top chefs and mixologists, including distinguished Michelin, James Beard, and Bib Gourmand award winners. The culinary gala, held on October 20, aimed to support homebound seniors grappling with food insecurity. The event was a resounding success, setting a record for fundraising and contributing to Meals on Wheels Chicago's ongoing mission to eradicate hunger and isolation among seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Celebrating Health with Seniors on Juneteenth
Fresh fruit and vegetables make the most delicious and healthy meals. Chicago Chef and Corporate and Community Relations Manager, Cory Morris has been busy putting his skills to good use. Using his 23 years of cooking experience, Morris is hosting cooking demonstrations at the Meals on Wheels Chicago’s Nourish Chicago Pop-Up Produce Markets at Regional City Senior Centers.
Meals on Wheels Pantry Expands, Offering Fresh Food to More Chicagoans
In June 2022 Meals on Wheels Chicago opened Nourish Chicago Pantry to support seniors struggling with food insecurity. Today we are announcing the expansion of the program with Nourish Chicago Pop-Up Produce Markets! These events will feature a variety of fresh produce, providing the same grocery-store quality items for seniors in need as the regular Nourish Chicago Pantry.
Meals on Wheels Chicago Receives 2023 Impact Grant Merit Award
Meals on Wheels Chicago is honored to have been awarded a $15,000 Merit Grant from Impact Grants Chicago. We were among eight Chicago nonprofit finalists chosen from 125 organizations who submitted Letters of Inquiry. We were selected after an extensive and thorough six-month review process, including financial analysis, grant and project review, site visit, and presentation to the members of Impact Grants Chicago at The Grant Awards Celebration on May 31st at Venue West. These funds will be used to support the Nourish Chicago Food Pantry and Pop-Up Markets, providing fresh produce and other groceries to seniors in need.
Celebrity Chef Ball Announced for Friday, October 20, 2023
SAVE THE DATE for this year’s Celebrity Chef Ball!
On Friday, October 20th at The Geraghty, dozens of the city’s top chefs and mixologists will come together to create a special evening of fine dining exclusively for supporters of Meals on Wheels Chicago. This event features a unique interactive dining experience, with chefs preparing and serving a six-course meal.