About Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan (MOWWM) provides meal and nutrition services that support senior independence. Our volunteers and staff deliver balanced dishes, perform safety checks, provide access to groceries, and greet our clients with a smile. We’re working hard to serve nearly 6,000 homebound seniors in Kent and Allegan counties with upwards of 650,000 meals and 1 million pounds of groceries every year.

Vision

A community where no senior is hungry or forgotten

Mission

An arrow hitting a bullseye

To provide quality nutrition services in a supportive environment to promote the health and independence of seniors

Values

Two hands holding up a heart

Client Focused

Compassion & Empathy

Diversity & Inclusion

Outstanding Teamwork

Transparency & Honesty

Quality & Excellence

An Inclusive Environment

We believe in a community of intentional inclusion that fosters trust and belonging and embraces differences.

Our History

MOWWM has been through a lot of changes over the years. Check out the timeline below to follow along with our story.

Elderly Nutrition Program Established

  • 1972

The Elderly Nutrition Program is established as part of the 1972 Older Americans Act to fight hunger and isolation. The program provides Federal funding for congregate (Dining Sites) and home delivered meals.

1972
1984

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan Established

  • 1984

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan (originally Senior Meals Program, Inc.) is established to address the nutritional needs of older adults in Kent County. The program is located on Two Fountain Place in Grand Rapids. Later in 1984, it’s incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. MOWWM offers congregate meals (at Dining Sites) and home delivered meals. This year, it serves 975 seniors.

First Commercial Kitchen

  • 1992

MOWWM moves to its first commercial kitchen at 1279 Cedar Street in Grand Rapids. In the new facility, MOWWM can cook from scratch to help address the growing needs of the community’s older adults.

1992
1999

First Kent County Senior Millage

  • 1999

The first Kent County Senior Millage is passed.

Senior Pantry Program Established

  • 2000

The MOWWM Senior Pantry program is established. It’s one of the first shopping experience pantries in Kent County that allows seniors the dignity of choosing their food.

2000
2008

Move to Wilson Avenue Begins

  • 2008

MOWWM outgrows its old location and begins moving its administrative offices to the current building at 2900 Wilson Avenue in Grandville.

Move to Wilson Avenue Completed

  • 2012

MOWWM opens its new commercial kitchen and completes the move to its current location.

2012
2014

Choice Meal Program Launch

  • 2014

The Choice Meal Program launches. This program helps meet the diverse preference and dietary needs of MOWWM clients.

Expansion to Allegan County

  • 2016
MOWWM expands its service area to include Allegan County.
2016
2019

Addition of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

  • 2019

MOWWM hires a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to improve the nutrition content of meals and develop more specialized diets.

Over 7,000 Seniors Served During COVID-19

  • 2020

Lisa Wideman is appointed as the President and CEO of MOWWM.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic brings increased food insecurity.

 

MOWWM delivers over 625,000 meals to more than 3,000 homebound seniors. The Senior Pantry Program provides more than 1 million pounds of groceries. In all, over 7,000 seniors benefit from MOWWM’s services.

2020

We Couldn’t Do It Without You

Support from our donors, volunteers, and sponsors has allowed MOWWM to efficiently serve the growing senior population in our community. We are incredibly grateful for all of your contributions over the years. We also want to thank the following organizations for years of valuable support.
County of Kent, Michigan
Kent County Senior Millage
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
Wyoming, Michigan
Heart of West Michigan United Way

Our Services

Want to learn more about our services and resources? Click the links below.
Home Delivered Meals

Home Delivered Meals

Our nutritionally balanced, homemade meals are delivered right to your home or the home of a loved one.
Learn About Home Delivered Meals
Senior Pantry Program

Senior Pantry Program

Eligible seniors can enjoy shopping at our Senior Pantries for wholesome foods, all for a small suggested donation.

Learn About Senior Pantry Program
 					Community Dining Sites

Community Dining Sites

Community Dining Sites provide clients with nutritious meals and a chance to socialize with peers and volunteers.

Learn About Community Dining Sites
Liquid Nutritional Supplements

Liquid Nutritional Supplements

Nutritionally balanced liquid supplements can be helpful for seniors who need extra nutrition beyond the meals they eat. Seniors with a physician’s order can enjoy liquid nutritional supplements at a reduced cost.
Learn About Liquid Nutritional Supplements