Every day, KAFASI’s Meals on Wheels program delivers more than a nutritious meal. It delivers peace of mind, companionship and a vital connection that helps older adults remain healthy, safe and independent in their own homes.

Today, KAFASI serves more than 400 seniors throughout Kenosha County and delivers more than 72,900 meals each year. For many participants, a volunteer’s visit is more than a delivery. It’s a friendly conversation, a wellness check and reassurance that someone cares.

Kenosha County is home to more than 24,000 residents age 65 and older, and that number continues to rise. As more older adults choose to age in place, the demand for home-delivered meals and supportive services continues to grow.

At the same time, providers across the country are facing increasing food costs, transportation expenses and operational challenges. Nationally, one in three Meals on Wheels providers now has a waiting list, leaving thousands of older adults waiting for the support they need.

While KAFASI works every day to meet the needs of local seniors, it takes continued investment from federal, state and local partners, as well as volunteers and donors, to ensure no one is left behind.

Meals on Wheels is one of the nation’s most successful public-private partnerships, combining government support with local volunteers, community partnerships and charitable giving.

Much of that federal support comes through the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, which helps community organizations like KAFASI provide nutritious meals and supportive services to older adults.

Unfortunately, funding has not kept pace with the growing senior population or rising costs.

Across the country:

• Food insecurity among adults age 60 and older has increased dramatically over the past 25 years.
• Eight in 10 Meals on Wheels providers rely on federal funding.
• Sixty percent depend on federal funding for at least half of their operating budget.
• Only about one percent of charitable giving nationwide is directed toward senior-focused causes.

Without stronger investment, many providers are forced to make difficult decisions, including reducing meal deliveries, creating waiting lists or limiting services.

Meals on Wheels is about much more than nutrition.

Each delivery helps combat loneliness and social isolation while providing an important safety check for someone who may otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers often notice when something seems different, whether it’s an unanswered door, changes in health or concerns that family members may not otherwise know about. Those small moments can make a life-changing difference.

The program helps older adults continue living where they most want to be: safely and independently at home.

Supporting Meals on Wheels isn’t just the responsibility of lawmakers or nonprofit organizations. It takes an entire community.

Whether you volunteer to deliver meals, make a financial contribution or simply help spread awareness, your support directly impacts local seniors.

Every meal delivered…
Every volunteer recruited…
Every dollar donated…

…helps ensure an older adult receives not only nourishment but also dignity, connection and hope.