Give Back This Season: How Meals on Wheels San Antonio Is Nourishing Neighbors and How You Can Help
With the holiday season in full swing and New Year’s resolutions beginning to take shape, many San Antonio residents are looking for meaningful ways to give back. One local nonprofit has been quietly changing lives since 1977—and right now, they’re inviting the community to join them in delivering not just meals, but connection, care, and comfort.
Meals on Wheels San Antonio, a vital community lifeline for seniors and adults living with disabilities across Bexar County and beyond, serves more than 4,000 neighbors every weekday. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the organization provides home-delivered meals, pet food through its AniMeals program, Alzheimer’s support services, and so much more—all with the goal of helping individuals remain safe, healthy, and independent in their own homes.
A Legacy of Care
What began nearly five decades ago as Christian Senior Services—founded by members of St. John’s and Grace Lutheran Churches—has grown into a regional anchor of compassionate care. Meals on Wheels San Antonio officially adopted its current name in 2018 and expanded its services to Atascosa, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Karnes, Uvalde, and Wilson Counties.
Over the years, the organization has delivered more than 24 million home-cooked meals, logged over 250,000 volunteer hours, and distributed more than 200,000 pounds of pet food. In 2023 alone, they provided 1.8 million meals and helped ensure hundreds of seniors and their pets received vital nutrition and human connection.
But despite the incredible numbers, the true impact is measured in moments: a warm greeting at the door, a safety check that catches a fall, a meal that turns an ordinary day into something hopeful.
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Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Texas is home to more than 5.8 million adults over the age of 60, and many face a daily struggle with hunger, poverty, or isolation. In fact, nearly one in four Texas seniors experiences food insecurity, and over 30% report living with a disability. Nearly half of single seniors lack the income to meet basic living needs.
Meals on Wheels San Antonio addresses this reality with a network of services designed to promote dignity and reduce the need for costly healthcare interventions. By providing nutritious meals and routine visits, the organization helps seniors avoid unnecessary hospital stays and nursing home placements—ultimately saving billions in healthcare costs while enhancing lives.
How Locals Can Help: Volunteer, Donate, Refer
With 2026 around the corner, locals looking to make a difference can get involved in several ways:
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Volunteer: It takes just a couple of hours a week to deliver meals—and so much more. Sign up to become a volunteer driver or join the Friendly Visitor program, where volunteers provide companionship to isolated seniors. Visit Meals on Wheels San Antonio Volunteer Portal to get started.
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Donate: For just $8.50, you can provide a senior neighbor with a meal, a wellness check, and a warm smile. The organization accepts one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations, and even planned giving, vehicle donations, and real estate gifts. Shoppers can also round up their Walmart purchases or support the organization through Amazon storefront purchases.
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Refer: Know someone who could benefit from home-delivered meals or Alzheimer’s support services? Referrals are easy to make through the organization’s online portal, ensuring those in need receive timely assistance.
More Than a Meal
Meals on Wheels San Antonio also supports unique programs like AniMeals, which ensures seniors don’t have to choose between feeding themselves or their beloved pets. The Comfy Casas initiative helps with home safety improvements, and the Grace Place Alzheimer’s Centers provide daytime care and engaging activities for those living with dementia.
This holistic approach makes Meals on Wheels more than a meal delivery service—it’s a network of support that nourishes the body, mind, and soul.
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Join the Mission
As 2025 draws to a close, Meals on Wheels San Antonio invites everyone to help build a stronger, more caring community. Whether you donate once, volunteer weekly, or simply share their mission with others, every action counts.
Together, San Antonio can ensure that no senior is forgotten this holiday season—or in the months to come.
For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit mowsatx.org or call 210-735-5115.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.