50th Anniversary
Meals on Wheels Central Texas grew from a volunteer effort of eight compassionate individuals in East Austin to a thriving organization that serves over 3,000 meals to older adults in Central Texas every day. None of our growth could have happened without the support of our community.
We are proud of what we have accomplished in 50 years. Looking toward the future, we will continue to be a leader in senior care, meeting the needs of a growing population of people 65+.
Our History |
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1972 - FROM 8 TO 6,000 Meals on Wheels Central Texas began with 8 volunteers rolling up their sleeves to serve their elderly homebound neighbors. Today, more than 6,000 individuals generously volunteer their time and talents to help those most in need. |
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1982 - OUR KITCHEN IS OUR HEART—AND IT’S KEPT GROWING! By 1982, 14 cooking sites had been established and an average of 175,000 meals were being prepared each year. In 1991, a new Central Kitchen and Headquarters opened at 2222 Rosewood Avenue to better coordinate meal distribution. Ten years later, we had outgrown our kitchen again and moved our operation to E. 5th Street. No matter where our meals have been prepared over the past half-century, each one was cooked with care, compassion, and a commitment to help. |
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1983 - CALLS TO SHOW WE CARE In an attempt to ease loneliness and isolation of homebound seniors, we began a special Care Call program, through which volunteers would call a senior just to chat and check in. Our Care Call program became a lifeline for seniors at home. |
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1994 - We began offering Groceries to Go grocery shopping service and Handy Wheels home repair program. |
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1999 - The property at 3227 East 5th Street is purchased to expand services. |
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2002 - The City of Austin contracts with Meals on Wheels and More to prepare congregate meals for its Senior Centers. |
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2007 - FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS We launched our Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors (PALS) program that provides free dog and cat food on a monthly basis to more than 450 pets owned by the individuals we serve. |
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2010 - Meals on Wheels and More expands its services offering home repair and respite care to our senior neighbors. |
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2016 - Meals on Wheels and More, Inc., officially changes its name to Meals on Wheels Central Texas and acquires Helping the Needy and Disabled, Inc., a local non-profit that offers in-home personal care for low income older adults and people with disabilities. | ||
2021 - MOWCTX RESPONDS TO the PANDEMIC MOWCTX never stopped during the pandemic and delivered 1.3 million meals. |
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2022 - MEALS ON WHEELS CENTRAL TEXAS celebrates its 50th anniversary and commemorates the historical achievement with a “50 Years Strong” awareness and fundraising. |
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A lot has changed in 50 years at Meals on Wheels Central Texas, but one thing has stayed the same: we can only care for our area’s homebound seniors and disabled individuals with community support. Donate today and help us build on the next 50 years! |