Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization that started in 1973 as a collaboration between 11 faith-based organizations in downtown Fort Worth to bring food to the elderly in the central city area. We incorporated in 1977, assumed responsibility of the Arlington Meals On Wheels in 1980, and now serve all of Tarrant County. We provide home-delivered meals, professional case management, and other needed items or services to elderly and disabled homebound residents.

Most of our clients have aged in place, living in the same home for many years. This home is where they feel safe and comfortable. The majority of our clients were self-sufficient and productive their entire life, but they can no longer remain at home without assistance. Without our help, many of our clients would be forced to live in a nursing home or have other full-time care before they really need it. That means they could end up in an expensive facility where they do not need most of the available services.

In an independent study of hunger among the elderly in the United States, Texas ranked fourth highest in the number of seniors going to bed hungry. We can deliver meals to one homebound person for an entire year at a cost lower than one day in a hospital or six days in a nursing home. Plus, through our Home-Delivered Meals program, we save money for taxpayers, who often subsidize the cost of nursing home care for those who cannot afford it. Another study by the Center for Effective Government found that every dollar invested in Meals On Wheels saves up to $50 in Medicaid spending. In 2014, Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County received approximately $575,000 in funding for Medicaid-eligible clients, resulting in a savings of $28,750,000 for Tarrant County taxpayers.

A volunteer force of over 5,000 caring individuals delivers meals to nearly 4,600 people who truly need our help in neighborhoods throughout Tarrant County. Volunteers also deliver blankets, fans, supplemental groceries, medical equipment, pet food, and other essential items to help clients maintain their independence. Volunteers deliver meals and perhaps even more importantly, show concern, love, and compassion. For many clients, volunteers are the only people they see each day.

Our History

IMG_2082What started as an effort to provide twenty-five meals per day to a small, inner-city area of Fort Worth has grown to a countywide program that now provides nearly 1 million meals per year to homebound elderly and disabled residents of Tarrant County. Despite our tremendous growth, our commitment to helping our clients remain independent in their own homes will never change.