ARLINGTON, Va., April 2, 2026 — At a time when millions of older adults across the country are waiting for nutritious meals and moments of social connection and volunteer shortages are running rampant, Meals on Wheels America is calling on people across the country to help their local communities by volunteering to deliver meals and moments of connection. Nearly half of local Meals on Wheels providers are struggling to recruit and retain enough volunteers, all while nearly 14 million seniors worry about having enough food to eat. Local Meals on Wheels providers are a proven solution to senior hunger and isolation, but additional resources – including volunteers donating their time – are needed to reach more seniors in need.
That’s why, this National Volunteer Month, Meals on Wheels America is launching a new campaign called Meet Your Match that illuminates how Meals on Wheels connects volunteers with their senior neighbors to create fulfilling, meaningful and fun experiences that go both ways. The video showcases how volunteers and seniors are alike in many ways: both are waiting to meet their match. People who volunteer tend to experience positive effects on both their well-being and physical health: even one friendly interaction a day betters your well-being, lowering stress. For seniors – 56% of whom report feeling lonely – a volunteer offers more than just temporary companionship, they offer a meaningful connection that can make a lasting difference.
“The Meet Your Match campaign is important for Meals on Wheels providers as volunteer shortages are consistently reported as one of the top challenges facing the network,” said Jenny Young, chief membership officer and chief of staff at Meals on Wheels America. “Older adults in every community are waiting for these pivotal moments of human connection, and Meals on Wheels simply can’t deliver without the time, generosity and dedication of its volunteer workforce.”
Volunteering for Meals on Wheels can take as little as one to two hours a week and provides life-saving care to seniors by delivering nutritious meals and moments of connection. Multiple studies have shown that receiving Meals on Wheels reduces use of costly health care services, improves diet quality, reduces risk of malnutrition, reduces nursing home use, increases the ability to age in place, reduces social isolation and loneliness, increases food security, reduces falls and increases home safety – and volunteers are critical to making these outcomes possible.
When you volunteer for Meals on Wheels, you provide life-changing care to seniors in your community. 71% of Americans say they want to meet more people in their neighborhood, and volunteering is a fantastic way to meet neighbors, build connections and combat loneliness. You may even meet your match and find someone with interests, hobbies or a sense of humor that complement your own.
This National Volunteer Month and beyond, meet your match by volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels provider and connecting with seniors who are waiting for you.