Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

Our goal is to empower older adults to live independently and with dignity in their homes for as long as possible.

Our vision is a community where older adults are respected and supported as they lead purposeful, healthy, and happy lives.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region operates eight programs that work together to deliver nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes, safely and with dignity. All of our services are provided free, thanks to generous financial donations and grants, and the services of our volunteers.

Our eight programs include:
• MEALS ON WHEELS is our flagship nutrition program that delivers healthy, balanced meals to homebound seniors throughout our community. Drivers also provide a wellness check.
• BREAKFAST BAG PROGRAM: One meal a day isn’t enough for seniors. We started the Breakfast Bag Program to deliver a week’s worth of healthy breakfast items to food insecure elders.
• GROCERY BAG PROGRAM: For seniors who can still prepare a meal but cannot get out to the grocery store, grocery bags provide fresh groceries twice-a-month- to low-income seniors.
• CAFÉS: Offer more mobile seniors a hot, nutritious meal five days a week at local senior center . The Cafés also provide seniors an opportunity to socialize and take part in activities that keep them engaged and healthy.
• FALL PREVENTION: Reduces injuries from falls, and helps seniors remain independent by offering balance classes and conducting home safety assessments and modifications, which help seniors avoid falls and related injuries.
• HEALTH & WELLNESS: Seniors who remain active and engaged stay healthier and often live longer. This program offers exercise classes and tips, nutrition education, workshops and information on healthy living.
• FRIENDLY VISITORS, CALLERS, AND HELPERS: Isolation has been linked to health risks and depression in seniors. A weekly visit or a phone call from a friendly volunteer keeps seniors connected and provides companionship. Friendly Helpers run errands for homebound seniors.
• CARE MANAGEMENT: Provides confidential guidance to help seniors and their families navigate issues such as housing, elder abuses, depression, and long-term care needs.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is unique in Contra Costa County in providing such a comprehensive range of services for seniors.

• 54 Years of experience. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has provided services for older adults in Contra Costa County since 1968.
• Professional, caring, culturally competent staff. Our staff is highly qualified and experienced, holding advanced degrees when appropriate. Our Receptionist, Nutrition Services staff, Care Management staff, Fall Prevention staff, and other key staff are bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Community Partners. While serving as the “service home" for older adults seeking assistance to remain living at home, we partner with over two dozen private and public agencies to best serve older adults.
• Volunteers. Over 1,500 individuals volunteer their services every year. Volunteers are critical to enabling us to deliver meals and groceries to seniors' homes, serve lunch at Cafes, and offer friendly home visits and phone calls to isolated seniors.

In fiscal year 2020-2021, MOWDR accomplished the following:

• 2,006 homebound seniors received seven nutritious home-delivered meals a week through our Meals on Wheels service.
• 1,126 seniors enjoyed a nutritious meal and the companionship of their peers at a Café.
• 600 homebound, food insecure seniors benefited from weekly deliveries of healthy breakfast items through the Breakfast Bag Program.
• 163 low-income homebound seniors received healthy groceries twice a month through the Grocery Bag Program.
• 222 seniors reduced their isolation after being matched with a Friendly Visitor for weekly home visits.
• 84 seniors reduced their isolation after being matched with a Friendly Caller for twice-weekly phone calls.
• 110 homebound seniors were assisted by Friendly Helpers who went grocery shopping for them.
• 228 seniors reduced their risk of falling after receiving in-home fall risk assessments and having appropriate fall prevention devices installed in their home.
• 1,529 seniors reported an increased quality of life after working with case managers.