For a homebound senior, the world can shrink to the size of a house. Getting to the store, standing long enough to cook, carrying groceries up a step: these are the ordinary things that become difficult, and then impossible. Since 1976, we have met our neighbors where they are, with a lunchtime meal delivered to the door by a volunteer. Every weekday our meal delivery program brings nutrition, companionship, and prolonged independence to more than 700 seniors across Buncombe County.
help for homebound seniors
over 4.5 millon meals served in the last 50 years.
isolation & loneliness
are common
Approximately 61% of the homebound seniors we serve live alone. Our routes cover more than 800 square miles across Buncombe County so that no one on our routes goes without a friendly visit.
One in six seniors is at risk for hunger.
Last fiscal year, from July 2025 through June 2026, we delivered 171,700 meals. To keep up with growing need, we added four new routes and served 25,272 more meals than the year before.
holidays & bad Weather can be difficult
We deliver snow boxes each season so seniors have food when weather keeps our volunteers off the roads, supplement pantry items, and holiday gifts through our Santa for Seniors program.
Pets are often their only family
Research is clear that animals ease loneliness, but feeding one can be difficult on a fixed income. Through our Pet Care Program we feed over 200 pets every week.
You can provide nourishment for seniors in the Asheville Buncombe County region. Every dollar you give helps us prepare and deliver a delicious, nutritionally balanced meal to your homebound neighbors who might otherwise go hungry. Donate now to make a difference in your community.
What could you accomplish in an hour-and-a-half? If you volunteer with Meals on Wheels, you could do a lot of good during your lunch break. With a small investment of your time, you could have a lasting impact on the lives of 10 to 15 seniors in our community.
We cannot reach someone we do not know about. Homebound seniors are by definition hard to find. They are not at community events, they are often not online, and many will not ask for help until things have gotten difficult. The people most likely to notice them are neighbors, family members, church members, and mail carriers. Refer a senior to our services today.