Meals On Wheels Of Tampa Inc

Social Connection: Research affirms what we have known anecdotally for years. Social connection is effective in making a profound difference in the lives of older adults and homebound citizens. A daily knock on the door from a MOWT volunteer bringing a hot meal, offering encouraging words and a vital safety check on isolated neighbors, is a crucial ingredient in the powerful impact of this mission. Volunteers are the heart and soul of MOWT. The volunteer is often the only person the recipient will talk to during the day. 1,401 volunteers gave their time, vehicles, fuel, and their hearts, to improve the lives, outlook, and well-being of recipients in FY 2024. Their gift of service allows us to deliver at an affordable price and provides the crucial social connection that means the world to adults isolated by age and/or health restrictions. The on-going recruitment of volunteers is essential to meet the growing demand of the mission.

Strengthening the Community: By joining together with the board of directors, corporate supporters, foundations, individuals, and civic and faith groups, together we strengthen the community through service and care of those citizens who are often forgotten simply because we do not see them in need as they live behind closed doors where they wait for help. Yet, their health and well-being are essential issues to address, not only because they deserve support but also because of the mounting expense of seniors' health care. This exploding segment of our society and the increasing cost of their medical needs demands we take every possible action to proactively ensure better health outcomes as seniors age. Good nutrition and daily social contact promote better aging results. The cost of a full year of meals ($2,008) is less than the cost of one night in a hospital, one visit to an ER, or 10 days in an assisted living facility. With aging Baby Boomers as the fastest growing segment of our population, the work of MOWT has never been more essential and impactful.