Mission
To nourish the wellness, purpose and dignity of older adults and their families in our community
Vision
A world that honors people throughout life
Mission
To nourish the wellness, purpose and dignity of older adults and their families in our community
Vision
A world that honors people throughout life
We’re Driving Impact with YOU!
At Meals on Wheels OC, we work to keep our wheels turning to nourish and provide meaningful connections for our elderly neighbors. Although the wheels are important, the engine makes them turn. And YOUR LOVE is the engine that propels us forward. Because of YOU, we have been able to serve more than double the number of seniors in need. So let’s take a quick look “Behind the Wheel” to celebrate the lives you’ve helped to change over the past fiscal year (July 2021-June 2022).
Because of YOU, Meals on Wheels Orange County was able to maneuver at the onset of the pandemic, moving from in-person lunches to Grab-and-Go meals and now a combination of the two.
Because of YOU, our team steered smoothly through the exponential increase in need, doubling the number of meals we served from one million to two million annually.
Because of YOU, the 15,303 older adults we served reported improved overall health, increased independence, and were able to remain in the homes they love.
And because of YOU, we’ve been able to drive innovation to increase menu options that provide choice for seniors who face fewer life choices as they age.
Thank you for being the engine that drives our wheels!
Holly Hagler, CEO, and Earle Zucht, Board Chair
We’re Driving Impact with YOU!
At Meals on Wheels OC, we work to keep our wheels turning to nourish and provide meaningful connections for our elderly neighbors. Although the wheels are important, the engine makes them turn. And YOUR LOVE is the engine that propels us forward. Because of YOU, we have been able to serve more than double the number of seniors in need. So let’s take a quick look “Behind the Wheel” to celebrate the lives you’ve helped to change over the past fiscal year (July 2021-June 2022).
Because of YOU, Meals on Wheels Orange County was able to maneuver at the onset of the pandemic, moving from in-person lunches to Grab-and-Go meals and now a combination of the two.
Because of YOU, our team steered smoothly through the exponential increase in need, doubling the number of meals we served from one million to two million annually.
Because of YOU, the 20,000 older adults we served reported improved overall health, increased independence, and were able to remain in the homes they love.
And because of YOU, we’ve been able to drive innovation to increase menu options that provide choice for seniors who face fewer life choices as they age.
Thank you for being the engine that drives our wheels!
Holly Hagler, CEO, and Earle Zucht, Board Chair
Erasing Senior Hunger and Isolation
O.C. Seniors Live Below
Elder Economical
Security Index
O.C. Seniors
Experience Food
Insecurity
O.C. Seniors Have
Independent Living
Challenges
On the Road with Meals on Wheels: Meet Our Clients
Hunger hurts … physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s why we deliver more than nutritious food. We bring encouragement to every one of the seniors we serve. Together, we ease the loneliness and loss of independence that too often come with the later stages of life.
Take a moment to meet the men and women
you’ve helped through your partnership with us!
On the Road with Meals on Wheels: Meet Our Clients
Hunger hurts … physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s why we deliver more than nutritious food. We bring encouragement to every one of the seniors we serve. Together, we ease the loneliness and loss of independence that too often come with the later stages of life.
Take a moment to meet the men and women
you’ve helped through your partnership with us!
Meet Deborah
Deborah loved her job working with investments to fund church and ministry loans. But when chronic health problems forced her into early retirement 10 years ago, she felt a devastating loss. “I worked my whole life and loved helping people,” she said.
Now, at 68, Deborah is the one needing assistance and is grateful Meals on Wheels OC is there to provide the nutrition she needs. She also appreciates the regular check-ins from her meal drivers. She said, “It’s such a joy to see them. They’re like friends to me.”
Deborah hopes Meals on Wheels OC is here to stay. She said, “So many people would experience hardship without their help.”
1,948,604
Thanks to our community and our philanthropic partners,
MOWOC met the ever-increasing demand for our meal services by serving
1,948,604 meals to more than 15,303 at-risk older adults
Watch Deborah’s full story at vimeo.com/mealsonwheelsoc.
Meet Deborah
Deborah loved her job working with investments to fund church and ministry loans. But when chronic health problems forced her into early retirement 10 years ago, she felt a devastating loss. “I worked my whole life and loved helping people,” she said. Now, at 68, Deborah is the one needing assistance and is grateful Meals on Wheels OC is there to provide the nutrition she needs. She also appreciates the regular check-ins from her meal drivers. She said, “It’s such a joy to see them. They’re like friends to me.” Deborah hopes Meals on Wheels OC is here to stay. She said, “So many people would experience hardship without their help.”
Watch Deborah’s full story at vimeo.com/mealsonwheelsoc.
MOWOC met the ever-increasing demand for our meal services by serving
1,948,604 meals to more than 15,303 at-risk older adults
Meet Marlena
Marlena began receiving meals after injuries from a shower fall made it difficult to shop and cook meals for herself. Soon, she was only eating soup because it was the easiest meal for her to prepare. But as a retired nurse, she knew she needed better nutrition. A friend suggested Meals on Wheels, and Marlena slowly began to regain her health.
“Meals on Wheels helps me so much. They give you a balanced meal and it helps with the food bill, which is important because Social Security doesn’t go far and it’s expensive to eat well. I get plenty to eat. Meals on Wheels is a great thing to have!”
98%
of meal recipients say the meals tasted good and were of high quality.
Meet Marlena
Marlena began receiving meals after injuries from a shower fall made it difficult to shop and cook meals for herself. Soon, she was only eating soup because it was the easiest meal for her to prepare. But as a retired nurse, she knew she needed better nutrition. A friend suggested Meals on Wheels, and Marlena slowly began to regain her health.
“Meals on Wheels helps me so much. They give you a balanced meal and it helps with the food bill, which is important because Social Security doesn’t go far and it’s expensive to eat well. I get plenty to eat. Meals on Wheels is a great thing to have!”
of meal recipients say the meals tasted good and were of high quality.
Meet Maggie
After retiring as a preschool teacher’s aide, Maggie was missed so much that she returned to work as a substitute teacher and continued working until she was 84 years old. At 85, Maggie was still fully capable of doing whatever she wanted to do.
Sadly, a year later everything changed. At 86, Maggie began to have trouble standing, walking became difficult, and she sustained multiple falls. Over time, her symptoms became progressively worse.
Maggie’s adult children and family members rallied together and split up the many tasks needed to help keep Maggie living in the home she loved. But when it came to coordinating a schedule for meal preparation, they struggled. “We all knew it was so important to pull together to help Mom remain living independently. The problem was the meals,” said her daughter Mary. “There just isn’t enough time in the day.”
Meals on Wheels OC provided an easy and nutritious solution to the family’s dilemma, and Maggie loves her daily deliveries. She said, “I enjoy the meals and eat them up every day!”
88%
Of MOW participants say their health conditions are easier to manage because of the meals they receive.
Meet Maggie
After retiring as a preschool teacher’s aide, Maggie was missed so much that she returned to work as a substitute teacher and continued working until she was 84 years old. At 85, Maggie was still fully capable of doing whatever she wanted to do.
Sadly, a year later everything changed. At 86, Maggie began to have trouble standing, walking became difficult, and she sustained multiple falls. Over time, her symptoms became progressively worse.
Maggie’s adult children and family members rallied together and split up the many tasks needed to help keep Maggie living in the home she loved. But when it came to coordinating a schedule for meal preparation, they struggled. “We all knew it was so important to pull together to help Mom remain living independently. The problem was the meals,” said her daughter Mary. “There just isn’t enough time in the day.”
Meals on Wheels OC provided an easy and nutritious solution to the family’s dilemma, and Maggie loves her daily deliveries. She said, “I enjoy the meals and eat them up every day!”
of MOW participants say their health conditions are easier to manage because of the meals they receive.
Take a Ride with Our Volunteers
We couldn’t operate without our dedicated volunteers. They come from all walks of life, faithfully serving as drivers, servers, friends … people who care. In FY2022, 527 volunteers gave 27,333 hours serving in Meals on Wheels OC programs!
Take a Ride with Our Volunteers
We couldn’t operate without our dedicated volunteers. They come from all walks of life, faithfully serving as drivers, servers, friends … people who care. In FY2022, 527 volunteers gave 27,333 hours serving in Meals on Wheels OC programs!
Meet Jim
Jim served in the military and says he grew up with “service as a mindset.” He shared, “Driving for Meals on Wheels is an important commitment for me. The first thing I do each month is mark ‘Meals on Wheels Delivery’ each Thursday in my day planner, and then I schedule everything else around it. Anything else that comes up must wait.”
Part of Jim’s appreciation for the services Meals on Wheels provides comes from his parents’ experiences. As they aged, he spent two decades juggling his job and traveling monthly to purchase groceries and help them continue to live independently; “An organization such as Meals on Wheels could have alleviated a lot of stress for me and offered encouragement to my parents when I was away.”
Shortly after Jim’s parents passed away, Jim saw an appeal on television seeking volunteers for Meals on Wheels in Westminster. He was immediately inspired to help. Twenty years later, Jim continues to find fulfillment as he delivers meals and friendly company to seniors in need.
Recently, the Orange County Association of Realtors presented Jim with $500 when he received the award for Volunteer of the Year. Jim generously donated his award money to Meals and Wheels. He continued, “I’ll be here to help, whenever, wherever, however I can.”
98%
of participants shared that the nutrition education materials were understandable, helpful, and respectful of their culture and background.
Meet Jim
Jim served in the military and says he grew up with “service as a mindset.” He shared, “Driving for Meals on Wheels is an important commitment for me. The first thing I do each month is mark ‘Meals on Wheels Delivery’ each Thursday in my day planner, and then I schedule everything else around it. Anything else that comes up must wait.”
Part of Jim’s appreciation for the services Meals on Wheels provides comes from his parents’ experiences. As they aged, he spent two decades juggling his job and traveling monthly to purchase groceries and help them continue to live independently; “An organization such as Meals on Wheels could have alleviated a lot of stress for me and offered encouragement to my parents when I was away.”
Shortly after Jim’s parents passed away, Jim saw an appeal on television seeking volunteers for Meals on Wheels in Westminster. He was immediately inspired to help. Twenty years later, Jim continues to find fulfillment as he delivers meals and friendly company to seniors in need.
Recently, the Orange County Association of Realtors presented Jim with $500 when he received the award for Volunteer of the Year. Jim generously donated his award money to Meals and Wheels. He continued, “I’ll be here to help, whenever, wherever, however I can.”
of participants shared that the nutrition education materials were understandable, helpful, and respectful of their culture and background.
Meet Mike
Mike first became a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels OC seven years ago, and he still loves it. He shared, “My mother used to receive Meals on Wheels in Santa Ana, so now I enjoy paying it forward as a volunteer.”
Twice weekly, Mike delivers meals to seven older adults in Anaheim. He said, “It’s fun to have conversations and banter together. I’m retired now, so I have the time.”
Check-ins like this are an important benefit of Meals on Wheels. They can even save lives!
Because of volunteers like him, Meals on Wheels delivers so much more than a meal.
Mike plans to continue volunteering indefinitely. He said, “The Meals on Wheels drivers are often the only people the seniors see all day. I enjoy it so much that I’ll keep doing this as long as Meals on Wheels OC will have me!”
89%
of MOW participants stated that they are more independent because of the program.
Meet Mike
Mike first became a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels OC seven years ago, and he still loves it. He shared, “My mother used to receive Meals on Wheels in Santa Ana, so now I enjoy paying it forward as a volunteer.”
Twice weekly, Mike delivers meals to seven older adults in Anaheim. He said, “It’s fun to have conversations and banter together. I’m retired now, so I have the time.”
Check-ins like this are an important benefit of Meals on Wheels. They can even save lives!
Because of volunteers like him, Meals on Wheels delivers so much more than a meal.
Mike plans to continue volunteering indefinitely. He said, “The Meals on Wheels drivers are often the only people the seniors see all day. I enjoy it so much that I’ll keep doing this as long as Meals on Wheels OC will have me!”
of MOW participants stated that they are more independent because of the program.
YOU Keep Our
Wheels Turning
We’re here because of people like YOU, who serve faithfully and give generously. You provide millions of much-needed meals to your neighbors who would otherwise go hungry. You’re bringing hope to isolated, lonely seniors across our community. And in a very real way, you’re behind the wheel with us, driving the impact that changes lives.
“I give to Meals on Wheels OC because I
know that they can do more good with
my dollars than I could ever do.”
— Carol
Our Programs Deliver
Alongside friends and partners like you, Meals on Wheels Orange County has served the local community for more than 50 years. Over the last fiscal year, the number of senior adults facing hunger has more than doubled, and we expect to see more and more people reaching out for help. And in our constantly changing community, we must continue to adapt our programs to fit the need, always keeping health and safety as our top priorities.
Our Programs Deliver
Alongside friends and partners like you, Meals on Wheels Orange County has served the local community for more than 50 years. Over the last fiscal year, the number of senior adults facing hunger has more than doubled, and we expect to see more and more people reaching out for help. And in our constantly changing community, we must continue to adapt our programs to fit the need, always keeping health and safety as our top priorities.
Meals On Wheels
Our home-delivery service is our most well-known program, and it remains critical to homebound older adults throughout our community. Our friendly drivers deliver much more than a meal, bringing encouragement, laughter, and friendship to everyone we serve.
Without Meals on Wheels, I wouldn’t be 92 years old and running around like crazy! The food is so good. It’s not like other take-out food … it’s home cooking!
–Joan, Meals on Wheels client
Grab-and-Go
Our Grab-and-Go service was developed during the pandemic as a safe, simple way for older adults to meet their nutritional needs. Meals have been available at partnering community centers, allowing those we serve to pick them up easily. This is just one way we’ve adapted to meet the changing needs of our community.
The people who deliver the meals are really helpful. They even put my food away for me! If I don’t answer the door, they check on me. I’m so thankful for them all.
–Ann, Meals on Wheels client
Lunch Café
Our Lunch Café is back! With strict safety protocols in place, several sites are open now, and we will be expanding this vital program as the year continues. This service allows Orange County adults to join us for a nutritious meal and build much-needed relationships in a welcoming environment.
98%
98% of meal recipients say the meals tasted good and were of high quality
Meals On Wheels
Our home-delivery service is our most well-known program, and it remains critical to homebound older adults throughout our community. Our friendly drivers deliver much more than a meal, bringing encouragement, laughter, and friendship to everyone we serve.
Without Meals on Wheels, I wouldn’t be 92 years old and running around like crazy! The food is so good. It’s not like other take-out food … it’s home cooking!
–Joan, Meals on Wheels client
Grab-and-Go
Our Grab-and-Go service was developed during the pandemic as a safe, simple way for older adults to meet their nutritional needs. Meals have been available at partnering community centers, allowing those we serve to pick them up easily. This is just one way we’ve adapted to meet the changing needs of our community.
The people who deliver the meals are really helpful. They even put my food away for me! If I don’t answer the door, they check on me. I’m so thankful for them all.
–Ann, Meals on Wheels client
Lunch Café
Our Lunch Café is back! With strict safety protocols in place, several sites are open now, and we will be expanding this vital program as the year continues. This service allows Orange County adults to join us for a nutritious meal and build much-needed relationships in a welcoming environment.
98%
98% of meal recipients say the meals tasted good and were of high quality
Financial Accountability
Meals on Wheels Orange County is committed to financial transparency and accountability. Our organization has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. You can be confident that we will be excellent stewards of your donations.
Board of Directors
Meals On Wheels Orange County’s Leadership
Board Officers
Earle Zucht
Chair
Business
Development,
Verde Watts
Stuart Moss
Past Chair
Managing Director, Keystone Capital Markets, Inc.
DeVon Wiens
Vice Chair
Retired Partner,
Moss Adams
Corey Saenz
Secretary
President, COR
Branding Agency
Richard Lee
Treasurer
Associate Director,
BKM Capital Partners
Board Members
Gary Coburn
Principal, Restaurant
Concept Innovations
Lynn Daucher
Former Director,
California Department of Aging
Scott Heinila
Regional Director,
Producers Choice Network
Susan Lucero
Strategic Sales
Manager, Celonis
Stephen J. Margetic, CPA
President,
Hyder & Company
Di Patterson
Founder & CEO,
Success in Aging Centers
Randy A. Platt,
C.A. RCFE
Co-Founder,
Chairman & CEO Care Partners
Integrated Healthcare
Chalat Rajaram, MD
Medical Director,
Newport Nursing &
Rehabilitation
Tom Sowers
Regional Managing
Director of Sales,
24HR Home Care
Fariba Toofanian
Founder,
Bloor Business Consulting
Staff Leadership
Holly Hagler, MM
President & Chief Executive Officer
Jane Roth, CPA
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
Gio Corzo, MHA
Vice President, Home & Care Services
Darla Olson
Vice President, Advancement
Alejandro Lupercio, LNHA, MBA
Vice President, Social Services
Key Contributors
Donor Deceased
Legacy Donor
Plan for Future Journeys
During the first half of 2022, demand for meals spiked due to inflation and the rising cost of food — a trend we anticipate will continue. Meals on Wheels OC is committed to maintaining increased serving levels, while improving the quality of life of our clients.
That’s why our priority is to scale fundraising and grow partnerships to assure the long-term sustainability of this boldly expanded scope. Thank you for your support — because of you, we’re able to nourish the wellness, purpose, and dignity of older adults in our community!
© Copyright 2022 Community SeniorServ Inc., dba Meals on Wheels Orange County
EIN 95-2771715 – All Rights Reserved – Privacy Policy – Terms of Use – BOD
