MEALS ON WHEELS ERIE

At Meals on Wheels Erie, our mission is to deliver nutritious meals and grocery support to homebound seniors, adults with disabilities, and veterans—helping them maintain independence and continue living where they feel most comfortable: at home. Many of our clients live alone and may not see anyone else that day, so each delivery offers not only nourishment, but a friendly face and a compassionate check-in, with volunteers ready to alert emergency contacts if needed. Founded in 1971 by Reverend Al Gesler after federal funding for home-delivered meals became available through the Older Americans Act, Meals on Wheels Erie began in response to the hunger and isolation he witnessed among seniors in his congregation. Reverend Al remained an active board member until his passing in 2021, and a memorial program in his name now supports veterans and seniors who don’t qualify for subsidized meal plans. Meals on Wheels Erie became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1979 and is guided by a 13-member volunteer board. Our dedicated team includes two full-time and two part-time staff, but the true heartbeat of our organization is our volunteers. Currently, 120 Volunteer Drivers deliver meals to about 200 clients each weekday across 15 routes in Erie County, while 36 Volunteer Grocery Shoppers assist around 20 clients each week. We offer five programs: a private pay meal program for those age 60+, a meal program for adults under 60 with disabilities, a Waiver Meal Program through Community Health Choices, a cost-free Veterans in Need Meal Program, and a Grocery Shopping & Delivery Program. All meals are prepared by LECOM Senior Living Center, are fully cooked, chilled, and ready to heat, and are designed with a nutritionist to meet most seniors’ dietary needs.