hearts warm hot meals
“
It’s thanks to supporters like you that On Lok is able to bring our seniors nutritious meals and moments of inspired connection.”
Will Goodness, On Lok Mission Nutrition Program Manager & Dietitian
Dear Friend,
As we close out another extraordinary year at On Lok Mission Nutrition, I’d like to share how your support has helped us deliver vital meals and services to seniors across the Bay Area—during a time when the need is greater than ever.
Nearly three years into the pandemic, seniors are relying on our services like never before. Since the start of the pandemic, we have delivered 50% more meals to homebound seniors.
We have been working hard to meet the rising demand. With your support, in the last year On Lok Mission Nutrition has:
Served 274,810 meals to more than 1,200 seniors across the Bay Area
Delivered two meals per day to 400 homebound San Francisco seniors
Provided 44,000 to-go and community meals for seniors across five senior centers and three adult day programs
On Lok Mission Nutrition does far more than feed seniors. We nourish them by providing consistent connection to their community, and vital wellness checks for homebound seniors. For many seniors, our centers are like a second home. Their time interacting with peers through community dining, or with drivers who deliver their meals, offers a crucial opportunity for daily socialization.
We are proud to serve our community with the healthy meals and connection they deserve. Yet the growing demand for our services comes at a time when our costs have also increased dramatically. Overall food costs have gone up around 10% in the past year, with additional increases expected in 2023.
This does not include the rise in fuel prices for our delivery vans, which are essential to our mission.
Can we count on you to help us offset these costs?
Your gift, no matter what size, will go directly to making sure our seniors receive the critical services they need to age with dignity and independence.
Gratefully, Will Goodness, Program Manager & Dietitian
P.S. Your gift of $151 delivers a week of hot meals to three homebound seniors. Please give today to provide life-changing food and connection for our seniors.
Oscar: Home-delivered smiles
About four years ago, Oscar’s barber, Jim, was giving him a haircut at home when he noticed that Oscar’s pantry contained little more than canned food. Jim told Oscar he shouldn’t be eating so much processed food, and that he needed a healthier diet. But at 88 years old, Oscar has a hard time getting around to buy groceries and cook balanced meals. So Jim helped him sign up to receive home-delivered meals through On Lok Mission Nutrition.
Almost immediately, Oscar noticed an improvement in his health. As a person with diabetes and kidney issues, he was grateful to have a regular source of nutritious meals.
“I always know that I’ll have a balanced dinner and lunch, and that helps me an awful lot. On Lok gives me the fresh vegetables and food that my doctor wants me to eat. And if my doctor is happy, that’s a good thing!” Oscar says.
Oscar also enjoys interacting with his delivery driver, Dennis. Dennis always checks in on Oscar when he delivers his meals five days a week, and offers to help connect Oscar to resources he might have trouble accessing from home.
“It’s so nice to see a smile every day,” Oscar says. “All the drivers I’ve had have been very kind. They always make sure to say hi, and they treat me really well.”
“
I always know that I’ll have a balanced dinner and lunch, and that helps me an awful lot.”
“It’s always very kind here. Everyone remembers my name. There’s a feeling of safety when I come here.”
