July 17, 2025
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Meals on Wheels Central Texas warmly welcomed Mayor Kirk Watson, as part of a special tribute marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This landmark legislation—first enacted in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson—continues to serve as a vital foundation for Meals on Wheels programs across the nation.
Mayor Watson toured our Central Kitchen before helping Henry Van de Putte III, CEO of Meals on Wheels Central Texas, deliver hot, medically tailored meals directly to homebound seniors in Austin. With this immersive experience, the mayor had an up-close view of how Meals on Wheels Central Texas supports older adults and others aging in place with dignity and independence.
Every business day, thousands of Meals on Wheels Central Texas volunteers help deliver over 3,000 hot, nutritious meals to homebound older adults across the region. Along with each meal, volunteers provide a vital wellness check and friendly conversation, ensuring our older homebound neighbors remain safe, connected, and nourished in their own homes.
Mayor Watson’s longstanding dedication to hunger relief extends beyond city leadership. During his tenure as a Texas State Senator, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the Texans Feeding Texans grant program under the Texas Department of Agriculture. That initiative was recently reauthorized by the State Legislature, reflecting his lasting impact on food security for vulnerable Texans.
In honor of his unwavering commitment to the well-being of homebound older adults, Meals on Wheels Central Texas proudly honored Mayor Watson with the title of Community Champion today. This honor is part of our Community Champion Initiative—a platform recognizing leaders who amplify awareness and advocacy for the needs of older adults in our community.
Thank you, Mayor Watson, for your commitment to the well-being of older adults and people living with disabilities within our community.
More About Home-Delivered Meals
For more than 53 years, Meals on Wheels Central Texas has helped combat hunger, malnutrition, and social isolation amongst homebound older adults in the region. Thousands of volunteers support this mission, helping to deliver more than 3,000 meals each business day. Our home-delivered meals are designed to be nutritionally complete, and are medically tailored to meet a variety of neighbors' health needs. Volunteers set the Meals on Wheels meal delivery service apart. With each delivery, volunteers bring a vital wellness check and social interaction.
At this time, Meals on Wheels Central Texas needs more volunteer drivers and substitute drivers to keep this lifeline steady. In a single lunch hour, you can be a champion for older adults in need. Our volunteer application is simple.
Sign-Up to Deliver Nourishment
Local support makes our mission possible. If you can't join us for lunch, you can support this lunchtime lifeline with a gift that nourishes.