Future-Proofing a Spot at the Table for Hungry Portlanders

Meals on Wheels People’s new Eastside Resource Center will extend the nonprofit’s reach and impact from a community hub on 82nd Avenue.

Presented by Meals On Wheels People By Ben McBee March 15, 2026 What’s This?

A new Meals on Wheels People center is currently under construction at 4035 SE 82nd Ave.

From its kitchen in its Westside Resource Center in Multnomah Village, Meals on Wheels People is able to provide vital sustenance to seniors across the Portland metro area, but even with all the volunteer hours and community support, the organization is feeling the strain of rising costs and growing demand.

By 2050, the number of people 65 and older will grow by nearly 50%, and our region is aging faster than the national average. At the same time, climate-related emergencies like the 2021 heat dome, which disproportionately affect that age bracket, are more likely.

“The past few years have shown us that being prepared is critical — whether it’s a pandemic, natural disaster, or economic downturn,” said Meals on Wheels People CEO Suzanne Washington.

That’s where the nonprofit’s future Eastside Resource Center comes in. The new 17,000-square-foot space, set to open in late 2026, will not only allow Meals on Wheels People to reach more folks in an area where food insecurity is especially prevalent, but it will also act as a hub where seniors can get valuable companionship and education. And in the event of a major disaster, like a Cascadia earthquake, that makes local travel more difficult or even impossible, a significant population won’t be cut off from critical services.

On-site partner offices and a wellness room provide coordinated services helping older adults improve health, independence, and well-being, all in one accessible space.

“This building is about future-proofing our mission. We’re building a system that can withstand challenges and continue delivering for our community,” Washington said. “Now, we have a true regional presence — emergency meal storage in Southwest Portland, East Portland, and Vancouver — spanning across every major bridge.”

Solar power, battery storage, and a generator will increase resilience during outages, while freezers and shelves will be able to stockpile 70,000 emergency meals. A space for community events will also serve as a flexible warming or cooling center in case of emergency.

The state-of-the-art commercial kitchen expands meal production and provides a backup for emergencies, capable of producing 2,000 meals per day on the east side. The facility also ensures continuity of service during extreme weather, power outages, or other disruptions — keeping our community fed when it matters most.

Of course, the most pressing issues will be addressed day-to-day by the invaluable team of staff and volunteers, the “wheels” that make the whole operation go. They’ll soon be even better equipped to face whatever challenges may come, thanks to the Eastside Resource Center’s comprehensive amenities, which include:

A fast casual dining room offering culturally diverse menu options and flexible service hours
A technology learning center where older adults will receive training to stay connected in a digital world
Dedicated space for participants’ wraparound services, including mental health support, transportation and utility assistance, veteran liaisons, and more
An additional commercial kitchen to support the Eastside dining center and provide added capacity for meal production
Dedicated space for the Meals 4 Kids (M4K) program, which enables growth for both M4K and traditional senior meal production

With fast-casual service and expanded hours, participants can decide what, how, and when they eat. Community input from Karen, Somali, Burmese, Tongan, and Chinese leaders has helped shape this space to reduce barriers and meet the needs of those the organization serves.

In the tech room, participants can attend AARP Senior Planet classes in multiple languages, get device support, and engage in social activities — from virtual trips abroad to intergenerational programs with Meals 4 Kids families and volunteers.

These infrastructure improvements are at the core of Meals on Wheels People’s Together at the Table Capital Campaign, an opportunity for you and other members of the community to directly contribute to this sizable investment in our city. Signs of that impact are already visible as you drive by the site on Southeast 82nd Avenue. Emergency meal storage, volunteer stations, and staff offices are already complete, with painting and landscaping nearing the finish line, too.

The same could be said about the nonprofit’s fundraising goal; to date, Meals on Wheels People has raised more than 90% of the $26.7 million goal, but it needs a strong push to reach the target. To donate, visit mowp.org/together. Guided tours of the Eastside Resource Center are available by contacting Tina Libby at 503-953-8176 or [email protected].

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