Meals on Wheels of RI Launches 2026 March for Meals Annual Public Awareness & Fundraising Campaign Highlights
Nonprofit’s Impact in Advancing Health Equity for Underserved Populations
Declaring March as “March for Meals Month,” Gov. Daniel J. McKee kicked off Meals on Wheels of RI’s (MOWRI) annual public awareness campaign Wednesday at the Smithfield Senior Center, a partner site for the organization’s Home-Delivered Meal Program for older adults.
This year’s campaign highlights MOWRI’s leadership in advancing Food is Medicine initiatives while continuing to meet the increased need for its core nutrition programs serving homebound, older adults. Together, these efforts help ensure underserved Rhode Islanders have equitable access to the nutritious meals and support needed to live healthy lives.
“Good nutrition should be a priority for all ages, and Meals on Wheels does a remarkable job of bringing healthy food and dietary education to Rhode Islanders who are isolated or have difficulty accessing meals,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I am proud to declare this March as ‘March for Meals’ month, and I want to thank all the Meals on Wheels volunteers and staff for making this program such a success.”
MOWRI’s March for Meals campaign unites program participants, elected officials, business leaders, community members, volunteers, and donors to raise awareness for the critical healthcare needs the organization works to meet across the state.
“There is a growing demand for care related to age associated chronic illnesses, many of which can be effectively managed through proper nutrition,” said MOWRI Executive Director Meg Grady. “As a part of our 2030 Strategy, we are focused on expanding our offerings and impact in the healthcare space. We plan to offer nutrition counseling, grow our community health worker offerings, and increase participant use of our medically tailored meals and therapeutic grocery offerings.”
The campaign also celebrates the 1972 amendment to the Older Americans Act that established permanent nutrition programs, including home-delivered meals.
In 2025, MOWRI’s Home-Delivered Meal Program served 4,911 food-insecure and socially isolated Rhode Islanders, of whom 2,703 were older adults. The program’s “More Than a Meal” service model ensures these individuals receive increased access to adequate nutrition alongside increased security and social connection.
MOWRI’s Home-Delivered Meal Program addresses food insecurity and social isolation as social determinants of health, with demonstrated value.
According to the 2025 participant survey:
- 97% Reported overall program satisfaction
- 87% Reported an increased ability to manage chronic health conditions
- 90% Reported feeling they can remain living independently
- 63% Reported less visits to their general medical practitioner
“March for Meals is not just a celebration,” said MOWRI Board President Christina Pitney. “It’s an important recognition that this work is critical, that hunger and isolation are solvable when communities come together.”
Throughout March, elected officials, including members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation and the state’s executive leadership, will personally deliver meals to participants, underscoring the importance of Meals on Wheels of RI in their communities.
“We proudly continue to support MOWRI’s March for Meals campaign to ensure Rhode Island’s seniors have the nutritional resources they need to stay healthy and independent,” said Webster Bank Vice President, Business Banking Deborah Viveiros. “Our communities are stronger when we come together to address health inequities with proven-effective interventions like home-delivered meals.”
March for Meals is made possible with the support of corporate philanthropic partners including Webster Bank and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). BCBSRI also support the organization’s home-delivered and maternal health equity programming.
“As part of our commitment to improving the health of all Rhode Islanders, BCBSRI is grateful for our partnership with Meals on Wheels of RI, which plays a critical role in ensuring people who are experiencing or at risk of food insecurity have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive,” said Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at BCBSRI, Carolyn Belisle.