$70 million new gift to Meals on Wheels from MacKenzie Scott
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $70 million to Meals on Wheels America, signaling deep trust in the organization’s mission, leadership, and capacity to create lasting impact through its nationwide network of local providers.
Meals on Wheels sets the standard for an evidence-based, public-private partnership that effectively addresses senior hunger and isolation—issues affecting nearly 14 million older adults who worry about having enough to eat and 56% who report feeling lonely. This investment will strengthen the Meals on Wheels network’s capacity, enabling providers to reach more seniors more efficiently and sustainably over time.
Meals on Wheels America announced today an unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott, calling it a transformational act of generosity and confidence in the organization’s ability to improve the lives of seniors and communities nationwide.
One in three local Meals on Wheels providers currently has a waitlist, with seniors waiting an average of four months for meals and the critical social connection that accompanies them. Federal funding has not kept pace with growing need, leaving a widening gap that even robust philanthropy cannot fully close.
Addressing infrastructure gaps alone could yield 152 million additional meals and a 14% increase in seniors served—reaching 1.1 million older adults annually.
Meals on Wheels America is taking a thoughtful approach to stewarding this investment, focusing on strengthening the network’s long-term capacity. We will focus on improving the systems, resources, and collaboration that help local providers work more effectively together.
Nearly every provider—98%—reports facing infrastructure needs within the next three years that will influence how many older adults they can reach. These insights help inform the organization’s next phase of work to expand service capacity and support local providers nationwide.
“We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary act of generosity and trust that helps us move closer to a world where every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it,” said Ellie Hollander, president and chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels America.
“This investment will accelerate our strategic plan and strengthen the capacity of local providers so more seniors can access the meals and social connection they need to live nourished, independent lives.”
Meals on Wheels America serves as a national impact multiplier—raising resources, lowering costs, and providing tools that allow local providers to focus on what they do best: serving older adults with dignity and care.
By stewarding resources collectively, the organization can deploy capital strategically across its network, align investments, find efficiencies, and unlock greater value than any single provider could achieve alone.
“This extraordinary investment reflects what is possible when philanthropy backs a proven nationwide network serving seniors in communities across the country,” said Kristine Templin, chief development and marketing officer at Meals on Wheels America.
“Through Meals on Wheels America, funders can achieve national scale while strengthening the local providers seniors rely on every day. This gift will help expand the network’s capacity so more seniors can receive the meals, connection, and care they need—and we hope it inspires others to join us in helping End the Wait™.”
The needs of the aging population continue to grow rapidly, even as infrastructure and resources lag behind. This investment strengthens and expands the network’s capacity, but as a public-private partnership, progress will require sustained collaboration among donors, foundations, corporations, everyday supporters, and adequate federal funding. Ensuring that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels can receive it not only saves lives but also taxpayer dollars.
Meals on Wheels America supports approximately 5,000 community-based providers dedicated to combating senior hunger and isolation. Our network is powered by a trusted volunteer workforce and delivers a proven solution that starts with a meal and supports independence and well-being through tailored nutrition, social connection, and safety.
Through its advocacy, education, funding, and research, Meals on Wheels America enables local providers to strengthen their communities—one senior at a time—and remains committed to helping End the Wait™ so that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it.