Donations to Meals on Wheels don’t help local seniors, county board advises

CATSKILL―Greene County’s homebound meal program for senior citizens is often referred to as Meals on Wheels. But that would not be accurate and the common mistake has sparked the Greene County Aging Advisory Board to caution residents about recent solicitations for money.

“Greene County's Home Delivered Meals Program is in no way affiliated with the Meals On Wheels organization,” the board emphasized in a letter to seniors on Tuesday.

“Meals on Wheels is a nationally recognized organization that supports seniors across the country,” the board continued. “It is important for our community to understand that funds donated through national Meals on Wheels solicitations do not support local meal programs or services in Greene County.”

Greene County’s senior nutrition and homebound meal delivery services are run by the Greene County Department of Human Services and funded through the county legislature, in addition to receiving state money, grants and community donations.

“Donations sent in response to national solicitations are directed outside the county and do not return to support local operations,” the board advised.

One of those appeal letters was received by a Coxsackie man from Meals on Wheels America, based out of Arlington, VA. It includes a note from the organization’s president and CEO, Ellie Hollander, that states a “gift of $15, $25 or $50―or any amount that’s right for you―will help protect seniors facing hunger and isolation.”

“That knock on the door when a volunteer delivers a meal to a senior means so much. It brightens their day. Sometimes, it even saves a life. I hope you’ll take action by doing what you can today so Meals on Wheels is there for all who need it,” Hollander wrote.

The envelope also features a prominent headline that reads, “Coxsackie Protect Seniors Petition is Enclosed.” That petition urges lawmakers to “protect and increase funding for senior nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels.”

“With our nation’s senior population growing, hunger rising and federal funds drying up, your compassion and your generosity are urgently needed,” the solicitation letter states.

Founded in 1954, Meals on Wheels America proclaims to support approximately 5,000 community-based organizations across the country through federal advocacy, private funding, programming, education, research and more.

According to the charity evaluation platform Give.org, part of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Meals on Wheels America is an accredited charity. The site also notes that Hollander received $586,554 in salary and benefits in 2023.

The Greene County Aging Advisory Board says it issued the clarification to ensure donors can make informed decisions about where their contributions are directed.

“Community members who wish to support meal services specifically for Greene County residents are encouraged to donate directly to local programs,” the board stated.

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