Our office will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, December 24th, 25th, 26th, for the Christmas Holiday. All meals for these days and the weekend will be delivered with the Wednesday, December 23rd.
Likewise, our office will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, December 31, January 1st & 2nd for the New Year Holiday. All meals for these days and the weekend will be delivered on Tuesday, December 30th.
Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday season!
A Year-End Thank You
As we close out 2025, my heart is full of gratitude for every single person who has helped Meals on Wheels Erie move our mission forward this year. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, or simply send your encouragement our way, please know that you are an essential part of this work.
Because of you, we have served more than 69,000 meals through November, ensuring that older adults across our community had nourishment, care, and a friendly connection at their door. We now average 225 deliveries every single day, a number that reflects both growing need and your unwavering support.
This has also been a year of meaningful expansion. Our Veterans in Need program has grown by 30%, now providing daily meals to 40 veterans who deserve our deepest respect and care. Community generosity has allowed us to launch new programs in early 2026 that will move up to 40 individuals off waiting lists and into consistent nutrition services, a life-changing step for so many who have been waiting far too long.
Thanks to the incredible partnership of Giant Eagle, every participant in our Grocery Shopping & Delivery program has been able to receive their groceries with no service fee, easing the burden on neighbors living on fixed incomes. And together with the Erie County Health Department and Second Harvest Food Bank, we are distributing 120 Emergency Food Boxes to recipients who rely on SNAP benefits, ensuring their pantries stay stocked during difficult times.
Looking to the year ahead, we anticipate adding up to three new routes to reach even more people. None of this growth - or the daily heartbeat of this organization - would be possible without our extraordinary volunteers and supporters. You take on longer routes, expanding needs, last-minute shifts, and new challenges with grace and without complaint. Every day, you show what it looks like to believe in our mission and in the dignity of those we serve.
From all of us at Meals on Wheels Erie, thank you - for your compassion, your time, your generosity, and your belief in making our community stronger.
Wishing you a warm, peaceful, and joy-filled holiday season. May it be a time of comfort, connection, and kindness for you and those you love.
Warmly,
Jennifer
As part of a national partnership with Meals on Wheels America, Subaru of America, Inc. and its retailers will donate a minimum of $300 to a charity, like Meals on Wheels, for every new vehicle leased or sold from November 20, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
Since the Subaru Share the Love Event began in 2008, Subaru and its participating retailers have donated nearly 5 million meals and helped provide friendly visits to seniors being served by local Meals on Wheels programs across the country. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.
Locally, you can participate at New Motors Subaru - and when you decide on that new Subaru, please let them know you wish for Meals on Wheels to receive the donation!
OUR ANNUAL BLIZZARD BAG FOOD DRIVE IS IN FULL SWING!
December 1 - January 9th
Each winter we distribute an insulated bag full of nonperishable foods and small gifts to each of our meal recipients to ensure that even if the weather prevents us from safely delivering meals, there wil be something in the pantry to eat.
Check out our Blizzard Bag Wish List on Amazon - you order and it ships straight to our offices or you can drop off your donations during our working hours.
Kudos to the many volunteers that assist with unloading the truck, stuffing, and delivering more than 200 bags!
Huge thanks to our generous partners for supporting Meals on Wheels Erie with three incredible donations to our programs. In a time of continued uncertainty and growing food insecurity, we are beyond grateful for their commitment to our mission and their compassion for our homebound neighbors. Your support truly nourishes our community!
- Wesleyville American Legion Riders and the American Legion Post 571 for their continued support of our Veterans in Need meal delivery program [pictured: l-r Bridget Titko, Officer, Wesleyville American Legion Riders & Jennifer]
AND
- Erie Federal Credit Union FEED the NEED initiative for supporting our annual Blizzard Bags [l-r: Jennifer & Pat]
AND
Staffing News:
Guess who's back?!
MaryBeth's retirement lasted but a blink - not only does she volunteer as a driver on Wednesdays but she's taken on the part-time billing coordinator position at the office.
Welcome Back, MB!
New Faces, Same Big Hearts!
Each new volunteer brings fresh energy, caring spirit, and a shared commitment to helping our homebound neighbors stay nourished and connected.
Welcome to the Meals on Wheels Erie family — we’re so glad you’re here!
- Emmet V - Meals Driver
- Joe R - Meals Driver
- Jim W - Meals Driver
- Pat W - Meals Driver
- Karen & Joe S - Meals Driver
Tuesday Drivers, you're up and it's a big one - not once, but twice!
Our offices and kitchen will be closed
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, December 24th, 25th, & 26th, for the Christmas Holiday
AND
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, December 31st, January 1st, & 2nd, for the New Year Holiday.
All meals for these days and the weekends will be delivered with the Tuesday, December 24th & Tuesday, December 30th meals.
Tuesday Drivers, you may wish to bring some help or please let Kathleen know ASAP if you'd like to split your route with another driver on those days. You will be delivering 6 days of food each time!
As ALWAYS - Thank you for your dedication and compassion! We could never accomplish all we do for our homebound neighbors without YOU!
