But in recent years, as climate disasters increase in frequency and intensity, the broader mission—to “improve the health and quality of life” of the seniors Meals on Wheels programs serve—has taken on new urgency.
Climate-related disasters, like extreme heat, hurricanes, and wildfires do not affect all populations equally. If you’re Black, or poor, you’re more likely to live in an urban heat island that can get dangerously hot during a heatwave. You’re also more likely to live in a low-lying area prone to hurricane damage and flooding.
There are more than 5,000 Meals on Wheels programs across the country serving more than 2.4 million people, according to Meals on Wheels America, the leadership organization that supports local branches. These programs, which often have long waitlists, have been shown to improve older Americans’ diets and nutritional intake, but their benefits go beyond food security.
Researchers have found that nonprofit meal-delivery programs can reduce loneliness, risk of falls, and the need for institutional care. One economic analysis of the model found that a 1% increase in the number of people using the service was associated with a $109 million reduction in Medicaid spending.
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