CINCINNATI, Ohio — “Those were the good ole days,” Meals on Wheels Recipient Donald Quinn said.  

What You Need To Know

  • More than 12% of adults in Ohio over the age of 60 are at risk of food insecurity according to Meals on Wheels America
  • Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky seeks funding and volunteer support to help with the increase in demand during the holidays

  • The program serves more than 4,000 meals daily

The good ole days was how Donald Quinn described his fondest memories of the holidays. 

“The best part was getting the whole family together because we had a lot of family,” he said.  

The 86-year-old army veteran now lives alone and has only one living relative. He’s one of nearly 3 million adults over the age of 60 who call the Buckeye State home. Of that number, 13% of those individuals are at risk of food insecurity, according to recent data from Meals on Wheels America.

Feeding America estimates more than 9 million seniors may be food insecure by 2050. 

“Not only are we feeding them nutritionally, emotionally, we play a role in feeding them as well,” Michael Beck said. 

Beck is the Chief Production Officer at Meals on Wheels serving Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. He said things get very busy for them from October through January. To keep up with demand, he told Spectrum News they’ll need a helping hand, whether that's more volunteers or donations. 

“Right now, funding is very important," Beck said. "It really helps us get through the season in a safe way for everybody and have the resources so that we can help people when they need it most."

The program delivers more than 4,000 nutritious meals per day, five days a week, thanks to drivers like Matt Braden. At each delivery, drivers don't just stock fridge shelves, they become a much-needed listening ear.

“It’s not uncommon for us as drivers to be the only person they see all week,” Braden said. 

Although Quinn might be setting the table for one once again this holiday season, he won’t have to worry about where his next meal is coming from thanks to MOW. The program also offers more than 50 meal options. 

Beyond food delivery, Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky also offers social connection programs in-person or virtually, pet food delivery, transportation services, and more.  

If you'd like to find out ways you can donate or volunteer, click here