Nov 11 2025 15:00
Food for Thought 11/2025
 
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Our offices will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 27th & 28th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. All meals for these days and the weekend will be delivered with the Wednesday, November 26th. Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday weekend. 
 
 From the Executive Director’s Desk

Standing Strong for Our Seniors This Holiday Season

 

Across the country, nearly 13 million seniors face hunger, and 1 in 2 older adults living alone lacks enough income to cover basic needs. Closer to home, we see this reality every day — seniors forced to choose between groceries and medication, and homebound neighbors struggling with isolation and declining health.

 

That’s why Meals on Wheels Erie is here. With every meal we deliver, every grocery trip we make, we bring more than nourishment — we deliver safety checks, a friendly face, and reassurance that someone cares. We are part of a network of nearly 5,000 community-based programs nationwide working to “End the Wait” for seniors, veterans, and the disabled who need our help.

 

Even as costs rise and funding remains uncertain, we are committed to being there — every day, for every person who depends on us. But we can’t do it alone.

 

If you’re wondering how you can help during this season of giving:

  • Make a donation – your gift directly supports meals and daily wellness checks for homebound neighbors.

  • Volunteer – deliver meals, call recipients through our Friendship Line program, or lend a hand behind the scenes.

  • Advocate – let your voice be heard by encouraging continued support for senior nutrition programs by contacting your state and federal representatives

This Thanksgiving, may we all be reminded how powerful it is to care for one another. From our Meals on Wheels Erie family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving. 

 

Warmly,
Jennifer 

 
 
 
 
Thank you to Giant Eagle for the Holiday Donation! 
We’re thrilled to share that once again, our friends at Giant Eagle have made a generous donation to cover Service Fees for all Meals on Wheels Erie grocery shopping recipients—now through the New Year holiday!

Whether you’re new to the program or have been ordering groceries with us for years, your service fee is zero until January (or as long as the donation lasts). This gift helps stretch every dollar for those who depend on this service the most.

Here’s how it works:
🕗 Orders are taken Monday and Tuesday mornings, 8 a.m. – Noon.
🛒 Volunteers shop and deliver Wednesday through Friday, during daylight hours.

📞 To learn more or place an order, call Pat at 814-452-6930.


Thank you, Giant Eagle, for helping make the holidays a little brighter for our homebound neighbors!

 
Professional Development and Engagement with NPP
 
Pictured L-R: Kathleen Bowden, Volunteer & Meals Coordinator; Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director; Lisa Graff, Recruiting & Development Coordinator - EHCA; and Kristen Karrfalt, Development Director - Erie Art Museum.
 
On October 29th, Kathleen and Jennifer took part in the 2025 Nonprofit Partnership Keystone Nonprofit Conference at the Ambassador Conference Center. They attended practical sessions, dynamic keynotes, and enjoyed meaningful networking with service providers and other nonprofit professionals - like 2 of the MOWE Board Directors!  
 
Clockwise L-R: Kathleen, Jennifer, Pat, Abbey
Staffing News: Abbey is off to new adventures! We’ll miss her warm smile, kind heart, and the magic she brought to our billing world. Good luck, Abbey - you’ve left your mark (and maybe a few spreadsheets behind)! 

 

BLIZZARD BAGS ARE COMING! 

Each winter we distribute an insulated bag full of nonperishable foods and small gifts to each of our meal recipients to ensure that even if the weather prevents us from safely delivering meals, there wil be something in the pantry to eat.

Kudos to the many volunteers that assist with unloading the truck, stuffing, and delivering more than 200 bags! 

Want to help out? Watch your email and this space for our wishlists and ways to donate to our food drive in December! 

 
 
 
 

New Faces, Same Big Hearts!

Each new volunteer brings fresh energy, caring spirit, and a shared commitment to helping our homebound neighbors stay nourished and connected.

Welcome to the Meals on Wheels Erie family — we’re so glad you’re here!

  • Marybeth C- Meals Driver
  • Evan H - Meals Driver
  • Jean T- Grocery Shopper

 

 
 

Honoring Our Retiring Volunteers

Please join us in celebrating the recent retirement of volunteers whose years of service have brought nourishment and friendship to countless neighbors across Erie County:

  • Chris O – 8 years
  • David S - 6 ½ years
  • Susan H – 4 ½ years
  • Pat T – 4 years
  • Chris D – 4 years

Your compassion and commitment have been a gift to us all — thank you for being part of the Meals on Wheels Erie family!

 

BIG FOOD DAY WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26TH!

Wednesday Drivers, it's a big one!

Our offices will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 27th & 28th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. 

All meals for these days and the weekend will be delivered with the Wednesday, November 26th.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 
A laptop with an envelope on the screen.

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