Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels reaches record 100 routes, calls for more volunteers

Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels (HMoW) has reached a record 100 meal delivery routes across Oʻahu, marking a new milestone for the nonprofit as it expands its reach to serve more kūpuna and individuals with disabilities.

Today, Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels delivers approximately 800 meals each day, relying on 300 volunteers to help get meals into the hands of those who need them. The growth comes as the organization expands home-delivered meal service into the Koʻolauloa region and increases its support of the YMCA of Honolulu and ALU LIKE’s congregate dining programs. With more meals reaching communities across the island, the organization is calling for additional volunteers to help keep pace with growing demand.

“Reaching 100 routes is something to celebrate because it means we’re reaching more kūpuna who need us,” said Michelle Cordero-Lee, CEO of Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels. “But every new route also requires people willing to show up. Our volunteers make it possible for us to continue expanding while providing the personal connection and wellness check that are such an important part of every delivery.”

To help recruit more volunteers, Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels is sharing a new public service announcement produced in partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media. The PSA features college student and volunteer Danielle Cunningham, who offers a firsthand look at what it means to deliver meals and connect with kūpuna in the community.

Volunteering is designed to fit into busy schedules. Volunteers use their own vehicles to pick up meals from one of Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels’ 12 kitchen partners across Oʻahu and typically make four to eight deliveries within a neighborhood – a route that takes about an hour. On-call volunteers are also needed to help cover routes when regular volunteers are unavailable.

That hour can have an impact far beyond the meal itself. For many homebound kūpuna, regular meal delivery provides the nutrition, connection and wellness checks that help them remain healthy and independent at home. According to Meals on Wheels America, an older adult can receive an entire year of meals and supportive services for roughly the same cost as just one day in a hospital or 12 days in a long-term care facility. Nationally, 91% of home-delivered meal participants say the meals help them live independently, while 79% say they help improve their health, according to the report.

For volunteers, that impact begins with something simple: showing up at the door. Each delivery brings a nutritious meal, a friendly conversation, and the reassurance that someone cares.

As Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels celebrates a record 100 routes, the organization is calling on more volunteers to share their time and aloha with kūpuna across Oʻahu.

Individuals, families, businesses and community groups interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up by calling 808-988-6747 or visiting hmow.org.