More than a Meal
Every morning, more than 200 volunteers across St. Joseph and Elkhart counties set out with warm meals and open hearts. Together, they deliver nearly 1,000 meals each week — along with the simple gift of human connection.
At the same time, dedicated staff and community partners welcome older adults to Senior Meal Sites throughout the region. There, neighbors share lunch, laughter, and friendship — a daily reminder that no one has to age alone.
A warm meal can do more than satisfy hunger — it can help someone stay home, stay safe, and stay connected. For many older adults, the ability to remain in their own home is deeply important. It’s where memories live, routines feel familiar, and independence still feels possible.
That’s where Meals on Wheels and Senior Meal Sites step in — working together to provide both nourishment and connection. Each meal is a small act of care that helps older adults maintain their health, dignity, and sense of belonging in the community they love.
Programs and Services
Meals on Wheels
For neighbors who are homebound or managing health challenges, Meals on Wheels brings nutritious meals directly to their door. Each delivery includes a friendly visit and a quick safety check — proof that someone cares. Many participants live alone, and for some, that daily knock on the door is the only face-to-face contact they have.
“I could not stay in my own home without these meals and the volunteers who check on me.”
Senior Meal Sites
For others, connection happens around the table. Senior Meal Sites across St. Joseph and Elkhart counties welcome older adults to enjoy a healthy lunch among friends. It’s a place to share stories, celebrate birthdays, and find companionship — one meal, one conversation at a time.
Did You Know?
South Bend is home to a national first. Back in 1968, REAL Services launched the very first congregate meal program in the country — right here in our community. The idea was simple but powerful: bringing older adults together for nutritious meals, recreation, and friendship. That local innovation became a model for the program that is funded today under the Older Americans Act that now serves millions nationwide.
In 1972, home-delivered meals program began when the Older Americans Act was authorized by Congress. Today, it provides not only nutrition for seniors, but peace of mind for families, and a daily check in that promotes continued independence and safety.
Together, these programs offer more than a meal. They bring comfort, community, and the chance for every older adult to age with independence and dignity.
