Mission statement
To promote the dignity and independence of older adults, persons with disabilities, and other homebound persons by delivering nutritious meals and providing or coordinating needed services.

What is Meals on Wheels?
The Meals on Wheels sector of Tarrant County has operated independently since 1973. The goal of the organization is to fight the issue of hunger by providing all persons unable to supply themselves with breakfast, lunch and dinner with those meals on a daily basis, as well as any other commodities they may need.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) also provides clients with fans, air conditioners, walkers, wheel chairs, supplemental food (from food banks, etc), blankets, microwaves, house slippers, toiletries, and other supplies to clients with limited resources and immediate need. They also arrange for medical transportation, lawn care, and small home repairs on a limited basis.

Meals on Wheels Programs and Fundraisers
MOW is much more than just a food deliver program. The organization host several other programs and events to benefit their clients and the community.
Companion Pet Program- Volunteers deliver pet food to needy clients at times other than regular meal delivery.
Friend 2 Friend- Volunteers are matched with clients for personal visits and phone calls at times other than regular meal delivery. They may also run errands for clients who can not shop for themselves.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor- Coordinators visit people door to door in targeted neighborhoods to identify isolated elderly people and help them find the resources they need.  Coordinators partner with churches, businesses, city representatives, and individuals to develop  an ongoing core resource group to help isolated senior citizens and keep them safe within their community.
F.I.R.E Help- Smoke detectors are provided for clients in cooperation with local fire departments.
MOW has two annual fundraisers- the Celebrity Golf Classic golf tournament held at the Ridglea Country Club and the Mardi Gras fundraiser held each March. These events have raised thousands of dollars each year which goes towards purchasing meals for the clients. MOW especially relies on volunteer support for these two major events.
Mayors for Meals is a day where mayors of different locations in the area volunteer their time to deliver meals to clients.
High Heels and Hot Meals is a day where city businesswomen volunteer their time to deliver meals to clients.
Diabetes Screening and Intervention- Clients are screened for diabetes and provided resources accordingly. This program received national recognition in 2007 and 2009.

Numbers and Statistics
985,361 meals were prepared and delivered to disabled persons in 2009.
3,949 Tarrant County residents received meals in 2009.
85% of the clients are over the age of 60 years and the median age of clients is 77 years.
67% of clients are female.
$850 is the median client monthly income.
36% of clients are minority citizens.
The average client remains in the MOW program for 5.8 months.
The average number of new clients added each month is 156.
$5 is the actual cost of each meal.
5,398 people volunteered their time, gasoline, and energy to MOW in 2009.
166,953 hours were donated by volunteers in 2009.
Approx. 931,840 miles were driven by volunteers while delivering meals in 2009.

The Issue of Senior Hunger in America
MOW conducted a study in 2008 regarding the issue of senior hunger in America. Some of the findings include:
Over 5 million individuals- 11.4% of all seniors- are facing the threat of hunger.
Those most likely to be at risk as seniors with limited incomes, under age 70, African-Americans, Hispanics, the unmarried, renters and persons living in the South.
Though the poor are more likely to be at-risk, half of all at-risk seniors live above the poverty line.
Married seniors are 20% less likely to be at risk of hunger.
Seniors living with a grandchild in the home at 50% more likely to be at-risk of hunger than those who don’t.
An 84 year old is over one-third less likely to be at-risk of hunger than a 64 year old.
A high school graduate is 20% less likely to be at-risk than a drop out. A college graduate is 40% less likely.
African Americans are 75% more likely to be at-risk than white Americans. Hispanics are 20% more likely.
At-risk seniors are significantly more likely to be in poor or fair health conditions.
The study projects significant increases in senior hunger rates by 2025- 75% more seniors will experience some form of food insecurity and 33% more will suffer from hunger.

You can find more information by visiting www.mealsonwheels.org, calling the main office at (817) 336-0912 or contacting Jessica Lewis, Development Coordinator at jessica@mealsonwheels.org.