Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County

Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization that started in 1973 as a collaboration between 11 faith-based organizations in downtown Fort Worth to bring food to the elderly. Over the years, we have grown and now serve all of Tarrant County, providing approximately 1.3 million meals each year to some of Tarrant County's frailest citizens. By providing home-delivered meals, professional case management, meals at local senior centers, and other needed items or services to our homebound, elderly and disabled clients, we can address food insecurity among some of our frailest citizens and enable them to remain living independently in their own homes, surrounded by a lifetime of memories.

Most of our clients have lived in the same home for many years and it is where they feel safe and comfortable. Due to illness or the blessing of many birthdays, the majority of our clients can no longer remain at home without assistance. Without our help, many of our clients would be forced into nursing homes or other care facilities. Our goal is to keep our clients in their homes - where they want to be - for as long as possible.

Some people may be recovering from a hospital stay or illness and will only be on the program for a short period of time. Others have a long-term need and may receive home-delivered meals on an ongoing basis.

In an independent study of hunger among the elderly in the United States, Texas ranked fourth highest in the number of seniors going to bed hungry. We can deliver meals to one homebound person for an entire year at a cost lower than one day in a hospital or six days in a nursing home. Plus, through our Home-Delivered Meals program, we save money for taxpayers, who subsidize the cost of nursing home care for those who cannot afford it. Another study by the Center for Effective Government found that every dollar invested in Meals On Wheels programs saves up to $50 in Medicaid spending.

Meals are delivered by over 5,000 caring volunteers who freely give of their time and personal resources to ensure that our clients receive a nutritious meal. These caring individuals do more than just provide a meal and a friendly home visit. They provide a daily safety checks which give many of our clients and their families an added peace of mind.

Plus, through out Companion Pet Meals program, we provide dog and cat food to any client who can not adequately provide for their pet(s). These beloved dogs and cats provide much-needed companionship to a lonely or isolated client. We can also provide veterinary care and grooming on a limited basis as funding is available. You generous support in any amount, designated to the Companion Pet Meals program, will help us meet the needs of these loving pets and ensure continued companionship for our homebound clients.  Simply indicate in the notes section of the donation form that you are designating all or a portion of your gift to the Companion Pet Meals program.

With your support, we are making Tarrant County a caring place to grow old.