In a city known for its vibrant communities and strong sense of solidarity, there lies a hidden struggle. Thousands of our aging neighbors face the harsh reality of food insecurity and social isolation. Every day, seniors are forced to choose between medication and nutritious meals, between heating their homes and eating dinner, and many can go days without meaningful social connection. This is where Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) steps in, providing a lifeline to ensure that no senior goes hungry or is left isolated.

One of the dedicated MOWP volunteers making a difference is John Murphy, who every week walks up to Sue’s house carrying a black reusable bag filled with frozen meals and two quarts of milk. The 61-year-old volunteer delivery driver greets Sue with a bright smile. “I love when you come!” she exclaims as she opens the front door.

John has been delivering meals for years, ever since his mother, then in her early 80s, wanted to help pack meals at the MOWP center near their home in Multnomah Village. When his mother passed away three years ago, John continued their tradition, now driving two delivery routes every Thursday, a day he always has off from his job making computer chips at Intel.

Sue, an 84-year-old retired nurse, eagerly awaits John’s visits. Her life took a challenging turn last winter due to health issues, and she lost over 30 pounds in just two weeks. Sue’s daughter-in-law, concerned about her well-being, reached out to Meals on Wheels People for assistance. This decision marked a turning point in Sue's life.

MOWP began delivering meals to Sue, providing not just nourishment but a renewed sense of energy and vitality. “I’ve gained all those 30 pounds back,” Sue says. “I feel so much better.” The nutritious meals have provided crucial support, especially for someone who struggles with cooking due to fatigue, and she says the milk is helping her regain her strength.

Beyond the physical benefits, MOWP has provided Sue with a sense of connection and community. Living alone can be isolating — “The hardest part of any meal is eating alone,” Sue says. —  but the visits from John bring joy and companionship.

John’s dedication to MOWP stems from the impact he sees firsthand. “Some of these folks are pretty close to complete shut-ins,” John says. “You might be the only contact they have for that day.” The connections he's made and the joy of seeing familiar faces like Sue's each week keep him coming back. “It’s why I do this,” he says. “I hope someone takes care of me when I’m older.”

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels People has been providing nutritious meals and vital social connections to older adults in in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Over half of the meal recipients live alone, and over two-thirds live on $20,000 a year or less. The rising cost of living, reductions in SNAP benefits, and decreased federal funding have only heightened the urgency of the mission. Last year alone, Meals on Wheels People delivered over 1.3 million meals.

As it currently stands, 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels programs nationwide has a waitlist, with older adults waiting an average of three months for vital meals. Thanks to generous supporters and dedicated volunteers, Meals on Wheels People has never had a waiting list for meals. Your donations and involvement can help ensure that more older adults receive the care and companionship they need without delay. Meals on Wheels People is not just about delivering meals; it’s about delivering hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Together, we can change lives, one meal at a time. Visit mowp.org today to donate and get involved.